Page 18 - Archive in reverse date order

• The lower section of Parsonage Lane, up to the proposed site, is a steep incline with minimal
passing for vehicles, in fact only cars can pass, not larger vehicles. Multiple vehicles will create
chaos and damage to residents’ properties and banks/verges. Bunkers Hill, although not so
narrow is equally steep and has similar vehicle passing problems. In winter in icy periods (water
off the fields) Gattons Way will likely be a parking area early morning and mid- afternoon.

• Parsonage Lane is a narrow country lane with no pavements. There are two riding
establishments in Parsonage Lane (schools and livery) and, additionally, the lane is used by
ramblers, dog walkers, cyclists and others as it leads to Gattons Plantation and Joydens Wood.
The significant increase in traffic will be a danger to all users.

• If the business fails or the site is sold the site’s re-designated status would leave it open for
applications for schools and/or religious centres of possibly a more radical nature. In the
current/developing climate this is a very real concern.

• The application documentation is incomplete, lacks detail and appears to deliberately mislead
the true potential/scale of the venture. It is a private school charging fees of some £23.000 per
annum with a starting position of some 55 pupils and 32 members of staff. No mention is made
of auxiliary staff for maintenance, security, catering, groundsmen etc. However, this is a
business that will undoubtedly seek all opportunities to capitalise on the investment so it is
inevitable that:
~ The school will be systematically expanded, bringing in more children, more staff and
greater profits – it’s a large site!
~ The premises and facilities will undoubtedly be made available for other uses such as
evening activities, summer schools, courses etc.
Both will bring increased noise pollution, increased traffic levels, damage to the local
environment and distress to local residents and those visiting these lanes.

Full details of our objections are set out below, with further amplification given in the attached
Notes. (Please also see Note 1)

NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE NPPF

The house's outbuildings (stables and a barn) are not of a permanent and substantial construction
capable of re-use and their renovation from their derelict state into a school would require much
more than “minor alterations”. Such renovation would constitute a 'new build' on Green Belt land -
but with no very special circumstances - and in their place would be new buildings not in the same
use. (See Note 2)

INCREASED TRAFFIC

The impact on the neighbourhood of increased traffic would be severe, yet the applicant provides no
Transport Statement and seriously understates the effect of the additional traffic, both as regards
volume and timing. The suggested access and exit routes are steep in part and have no passing
places for vehicles or pavements for pedestrians. In addition, these lanes are extensively used by
horse riders. (See Notes 1 and 3)

Volume This is likely to be much more than the stated 18 cars and two mini-buses etc. Delivery
vans would add to this, as would visiting professionals. Pupils will probably be brought to/from the
school in parents' cars or by taxi since the local bus service is infrequent. No off-site parking is
available in the area and parking in Parsonage Lane etc would create serious problems for local
residents – a situation which the school could not control. Walking to and from the site in winter in
times of ice and snow would be hazardous.

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