CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a new 'super school' in Hakin look likely to be approved, following recommendation by county council planning officers.

Plans for an environmentally sustainable school, incorporating pupils from Hakin’s existing two sites, and Hubberston VC School, went on display to the public in July.

They have now been recommended for approval by council officers, ahead of a planning meeting at County Hall on Tuesday (September 8).

The application seeks full planning permission for the construction of a primary school for approximately 480 pupils aged 4 to 11, on land off Gelliswick Road.

The new school would have an Early Years unit catering for around 60 pupils, and a Complex Needs unit, suitable for around 24 three to 11-year-olds.

It will also have a full size all-weather pitch and multi use games area (MUGA), and be fitted with solar panels and combined heat and power (CHP) facilities.

But despite the benefits of a new, purpose built school, local residents and councillors have expressed concern over parking provision for parents and teachers, and the potential impact of increased traffic in the area.

Originally, 41 spaces has been planned for a predicted 76 members of staff (full and part-time), but this has now been increased to 43.

A report due to go before councillors at the meeting next week states that there will be ‘no detrimental impact on highway safety’, and that the ‘combination of car, bus, service, cycle and pedestrian facilities proposed are in accordance with relevant planning policy’.

It adds: “The proposed development is at an appropriate and sustainable location, one that is compatible with the capacity of the site.”

There had also been concerns over the loss of ‘family ethos’ currently enjoyed at the separate schools.

Local councillors Mike Stoddart (Hakin) and Viv Stoddart (Hubberston) will be addressing the committee when it meets next week.

To pass on your comments or queries, contact them by emailing vivien.stoddart@virgin.net or Mike old.grumpy@virgin.net, or telephone 01646 692758.