Emmaus School could be extended despite objections

Emmaus School in Staverton, on the northern edge of Trowbridge, is seeking permission for extensions that would involve the construction of a two-storey building on the current playground.

The council received 32 objections to the application, with one grandparent claiming that the children of the next-door nursery had been “whitewashed from existence”.

Should the Emmaus School plans go ahead, an existing mobile classroom to the north of the school would be demolished to make space for a new play area.

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The school has said the work will enhance the standard of accommodation at the site. (Image: Google)

The application also proposes a single storey extension to the western rear of the school building.

Local member Cllr Trevor Carbin has called the application in to be considered by the western area planning committee on Wednesday, September 4.

The plans have already been revised following a dispute raised about the location of the boundary between the school site and the adjoining nursery, Nestlings pre-school.

The nursery has been the subject of concerns from many of the individuals objecting to the application.

Grandfather Graham Hill commented: “During construction the pupils at Nestlings will be subject to noise, dust, and disturbance.

“This will not only have a significant impact on their ability to learn and develop, but also raises health and safeguarding issues.”

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He added: “They have been whitewashed from existence.”

Parents also expressed worries about the lack of green space for the pupils of Emmaus School in their proposed play area.

Helen Cass, who reported being a resident of School Lane for over 38 years, wrote: “I feel that the site will be overdeveloped and not blend in with the current beautiful building being used as a school, the previous extension blended in very well.”

Four individuals have contacted the council in support of the project, however, noting the need for the extensions at the school.

Hana Taylor argued: “The children desperately need more space to work in.

“The teachers do an amazing job with the space they have, but a more adequate provision would make a massive difference, especially for those children with additional needs.”

Clive Richards said: “I have been associated with Emmaus School since its inception over 20 years ago. The school desperately needs more space.

“Several classes have to share the same teaching space and the proposed extension will provide the space that is so badly needed.

“I have read the objections that have been made and cannot see how the proposed new building will interfere in any substantial way with the Nestlings pre-school.

“The appearance of the proposed new building is a matter of taste and I cannot agree that the proposals are "brutalist".

“I think that the appearance of the new building will be attractive and modern.”

The plans submitted to the council indicated that the development would address problems with the current school buildings, such as “poor changing facilities and no showers”, “no designated first aid room”, and “no disability access”.

The application states: “The proposal will not result in an increase in pupils on roll and will instead significantly enhance the standard of accommodation for the school.”

Wiltshire Council’s officers have studied the proposed development’s relationship with the nearby nursery.

Their report notes: “Through the submission of revised plans, all the originally proposed southwest facing windows have been removed, just leaving a solid (not glazed) access door.

“There would therefore be no overlooking risk to the nursery.

“In all other respects, the proposal would not harm the use of the nursery.”

The case officer report recommends that the committee approves the application.