WESTBURY Town Council has voted to support the application to build a new three-storey teaching block at Matravers School, but their approval was subject to conditions, after councillors listened to residents’ comments and concern about the proposal.
Town councillors considered the plans at the last highways, planning and development meeting on Monday 15th January.
At the meeting, they said they are in search of a clear plan of action regarding traffic issues, transport concerns and the staff car park before the application can be fully supported. Their concerns mirror the residents’ concern about an increase of disruption, articulated vehicle access and question where staff and students are to park during the process.
However, the councillors wanted to make it clear that they encourage and welcome educational improvements to the school and have no objections to the overall building application as long as their concerns are taken on board, and the residents’ questions are answered.
Cllr S Kimmins said during the meeting, “These ladies [the residents who came to the meeting on January 15th] also came to the meeting on the 2nd October asking questions, and yet none of them have been answered.
“What they want to know is what hours they [the builders] are going to be working. They want to know why is the car park for the staff not being built before work starts and also saying the weight allowance needs to be looked at.
“The traffic will be coming from Warminster Road, turning into Leigh Road, then onto Springfield Road. and what the ladies are saying is that articulated vehicles and cranes will be using this access. It’s a blind corner!
“It’s completely unacceptable; there is no reason, that I can see, why the Warminster Road car park entrance to Matravers cannot be used. There is plastic footings that can be used and all sorts of large areas to cover the grass. I think it’s a red herring.
“I think before we go any further, these questions need to be answered. I find it extremely disappointing that we are here tonight without any answers”
Cllr Hendry added, “I think we need to look at access full stop – Springfield Road access is a nightmare and I do feel sorry for the people in Springfield Road as I know how difficult it is for them with the coming and going of pupils and traffic from the school.”
The final comments sent to Wiltshire Council via Westbury Town council were, “Westbury Town Council supports this application, subject to the following conditions, that while we welcome and support any educational improvements we have grave concerns regarding construction access and staff parking.
“We would therefore request that the access for construction vehicles is considered via Warminster Road, as Springfield Road is not suitable due to the visibility restrictions to and from Leigh Road and the road to and from Eden Vale is too narrow. We would request that construction access and staff parking during the building work is confirmed in advance of any work starting.”
A concerned resident who attended the meeting said, “The meeting went very well, the majority of the councillors were listening to mine and the other residents’ ideas and concerns. We are very pleased, it sounded very positive. It definitely sounded more good than bad, so we will now have to trust the councillors that they will continue their support.”
