Primary plans pass final exam
David O'Leary • Published 15 Apr 2011 09:30
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PLANNING chiefs have given the green light to controversial plans for a new £9m primary school in West Linton.
Scottish Borders Council's (SBC) Planning and Building Standards Committee approved the development despite local opposition at Monday's meeting in council headquarters.
The new 12-classroom facility will be built on the site of the village's current playing field at Deanfoot Road.
This loss of open space garnered the lion's share of the 50 objections to the development - one even from national sports body SportScotland.
However a replacement 90m by 45m playing field which meets the minimum for adult playing field provision has been included in the approved plans.
Concerns had also been raised about the impact on nearby properties and the proposed design of the building.
But councillors unanimously approved the project, although subject to a lengthy list of conditions.
These include measures to address road safety and access issues, as well as landscaping and design
At Monday's meeting the loss of a number of trees including some planted to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee was also discussed, but senior planning officer Ian Aikman addressed these concerns by declaring that out of 29 trees on the site, only 12 would be lost after replanting.
Roads chief Derek Inglis then addressed local concerns over parking at the site.
He said: "The on-site staff parking will lessen the pressures encountered at the site of the current school. However the front of the school will, of course, still be quite busy twice a day for dropping off/picking up, that is why nose-in parking is included in the plans. It is a safer method of parking as it stops car doors opening into traffic."
Local councillor Gavin Logan said: "I am very supportive of this proposal. I am glad that pedestrian access from the nearby housing scheme The Smithy is included as I view this as essential. Also it is reassuring to know that the majority of trees lost will be replaced.
"This excellent new primary school will provide the extra capacity needed for the growing number of pupils in West Linton."
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 15 Apr 11
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