Councillors give new Waterfoot school the go-ahead

Land for the project, to the south of Booth Road, has been earmarked for the purpose since the 1970s and Lancashire County Council is now finally proceeding with a new 315-place school there.

But in the meantime County Hall has sold off large tracts of the original site for housing developments, and to allow Booth Road residents to extend their gardens.

And residents of Wolfenden Green are now demanding to know why their quiet cul-de-sac will form one of the entrances to the educational establishment.

Residents spokesman Roger Speak said, at a meeting of Rossendale council's development control committee: "This is the worst of both worlds for us - not only will we have disruption when they are building the infrastructure for the new school but we will also have the school buildings, lighting columns and even wind turbines intruding into our lives."

County councillor Jimmy Eaton, speaking on behalf of Waterfoot Residents Association, said: "I feel that this is unsuitable for pedestrians and service vehicles accessing the primary school. How many parents do you know who drive their child to school and drop them as near as they can?"

But Chris Chambers, supporting the application, pleaded with councillors to support the proposals, which would see the existing schools at Thornfield Avenue and Peel Street, Cloughfold, merge on one site.

Mr Chambers said: "If parents are given the option for environmentally-friendly alternatives then they will choose the right option."

Councillors have called for talks with the county council over traffic management issues, before the development proceeds.

Proposals for wind turbines, included in the original plans, should also be deleted, they say.

The Rossendale committee supported the school bid in principle - the final decision rests with Lancashire County Council's planners.

The application is expected to be debated on December 10 in Preston.