Plan is lodged for new Corran integrated school

Mrs Denise MacFarlane spoke out as the school lodged a planning application for a seven-class primary school and nursery unit on lands at Seacourt Road, Brittania Crescent, Black Cave Park and the rear of Cairn Grove.

Pupils at the school, which opened 25 years ago, are currently taught in seven mobile classrooms.

Mrs MacFarlane says that the new, connected school building will have shared resource areas, allow for more integration between key stages and give children more room to play.

“We are very excited that with the planning application being lodged we are a step closer to our permanent building,” she told the Times.

“The new facilities will help us to deliver the curriculum.

“It makes more sense economically to have a new-build school rather than remain in the mobile classrooms which are getting older and needing maintenance and the land in the field behind us has been designated for educational purposes.

“The new school will be better for a sense of school community, but the teaching and ethos of the school will remain the same.”

However, at the time of going to press two objection letters had been lodged citing traffic concerns.

“Seacourt Road is to all intents and purposes a one-lane road because of on-street parking for the terraced housing,” said one objector.

“This will be exacerbated by parents parking on the road. Black Cave Road and Cairn Grove lead to a cul-de-sac, so the residents have only one way in and out.

“How are they going to get onto Sea Court Road at peak times, especially during the morning rush hour? There will be gridlock at the planned school exit.”

The objector also criticised the proposed school exit for being located at what he deemed “a dangerous bend” which he said would “increase the danger” of an accident.

Mrs MacFarlane responded: “We consulted quite extensively with local residents, DOE and Roads Service and were aware of the objections.

“The architect redesigned the entrance and exit to the new building and parking spaces were extended as well.

“The number of car parks provided for is now above that which is required for a school of our size and there is a lay-by for buses to come in and take them off the road. There is also an overspill car park and if it’s needed that will be used.

“We have a separate entrance and exit to keep traffic flowing and to minimize congestion for residents. We also teach our children road safety.”