Special school in Warwickshire village granted permission to add a new classroom, teaching pods and a play area

A special school in a Warwickshire village has been granted permission to add a new classroom, teaching pods and a play area as long as an extra security measure is put in place.

The new classroom to the rear of the Arc School in Napton-on-the-Hill will replace two other units and be placed five metres from the boundary of a neighbouring property. The three pods and play area would also be to the rear of the main school building in Vicarage Road.

Councillors at this week’s planning committee of Stratford District Council agreed to grant permission but on the condition that extra netting was fixed above fencing at the rear of the school to protect those living in neighbouring houses.

Ian James, whose house borders the school, explained that items including stones and a manhole cover had been thrown over the fence and into his garden while a pair of scissors had been hurled across his land and into his neighbour’s garden.

He also said that the language and noise was unacceptable especially as he often had young grandchildren visiting.

Cllr Gordon Clark, of Napton Parish Council, also spoke out against the plans even though they had supported the school’s planning applications in the past.

He said: “As I'm sure you have noticed there are several objections from Napton residents.

We have the case of a commercial company putting forward an application that will have a negative detrimental effect on several closeby residents especially those with boundaries with the school.

“We believe this site has been overdeveloped. This is a step too far.”

Seven letters objecting to the plans had been received by the district council and Cllr Nigel Rock (Lib Dem, Napton and Fenny Compton) also urged the committee to throw out the proposals.

He explained: “There is a long history of neighbour nuisance to the surrounding domestic dwellings, located close to the boundary. Measures on boundary treatments to prevent objects being thrown, emissions and noise are required. The neighbours have a file of correspondence on these matters, which apparently the public authorities have been unaware of.”

Planning officer Erin Weatherstone included the erection of a new fence to help reduce the noise as part of the conditions and it is hoped that this will also deaden the sound of the air conditioning unit fitted to the new classroom.