Waltham primary school plans narrowly approved

Work on the new school is set to begin immediately, North East Lincolnshire Council said

Plans to build a new primary school with space for more than 200 pupils have been narrowly approved.

Waltham Gateway Primary Academy, as it will be known, is to be built on land off Sunningdale, in Waltham.

The plans were passed on Wednesday when councillors voted six to five in favour of the application, having previously deferred making a decision due to a number of objections.

The site also includes a wildlife area, playing fields and a running track.

At least 28 letters of objection were submitted to the council, with residents raising concerns around an increase in traffic, lack of parking and the loss of green space.

The new school will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust alongside a second new primary school, Scartho Gateway Primary Academy, which was approved in December last year.

Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "I'm really pleased to see planners approved these proposals.

"The two primary schools in Scartho and Waltham are desperately needed by 2026 to accommodate pupils.

"I know that we are keen, along with Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, to work with local residents to minimise any disruption."

Work was expected to begin on both sites immediately, the council said.