PLANS for new fencing at a school in Romsey have been criticised for giving it a 'prison like appearance'.
The Romsey School, in Greatbridge Road, has submitted two planning applications which have had objections from a nearby resident.
The first is to demolish a garage, timber shed and two lean-to structures. Then construct a single storey extension to the retained building.
The second is to remove hedgerow, trees and 10 car parking bays to facilitate a bus bay, and the installation of 15 car parking bays along northern boundary, fencing and planting.
Karen McHugh, of Priestlands, has concerns over the impact both plans could have on her property.
On the extension plan, Ms McHugh said: “My key concern is disturbance to my enjoyment to my home and office space. At present the northern green area is rarely used and is quiet. I understand it is a staff garden and I have never seen pupils use it.
“I am concerned that staff and students will access this area much more frequently than they do at present and create noise which will disturb me at work. If the bi-fold doors are open, there may be significant noise in the summer. The proposals state that staff and students would make use of the garden area. At the moment only few staff, if any use that area. Also I will be overlooked in my study.”
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On the car park plan, the Priestlands resident said: “I am not supportive of this application as I believe it has significant detrimental affect on the amenity of the area and significantly affects biodiversity in cutting off an important green corridor.
“The removal of the hedges either side of the Romsey School gates and a group of trees will not only result in the loss of some biodiversity, but it will also significantly alter the character of the neighbourhood for the worse. The school have already removed hedging adjacent and replaced it with Euroguard fencing and black mesh without any consultation. It looks very ugly and gives a prison like appearance.”
The extension application's planning statement said: “In summary, this proposal is being put forward to update and upgrade a school building within the grounds of The Romsey School. The current provision of buildings within this application site do not meet the level of standard or efficiency of space currently needed to provide facilities for staff and students.”
The car park's planning statement said: “The school are to implement a site wide replanting scheme with planting of 50 new sapling trees, 10 established new trees as well as an expansive hedgerow. With this, the offer of soft landscaping will create a greener and more biodiverse environment.
“The aim of the proposal is to improve the security and surveillance of the school with mesh fencing and remote locking gates while providing adequate parking provision for a bus, replacement car parking for staff and visitors as well as an improved and enhanced landscaping scheme for the school.”
To view the plans online, search 23/00804/FULLS and 23/00805/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's planning portal.
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