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The plan to move Bearwood Primary School has existed for some time
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Housing scheme to start before school can move

By Lewis Rudd
December 02, 2011

The proposed relocation of a primary school to a future housing development in Winnersh is not likely to be discussed until work on the settlement has commenced.

Earlier this month the planning committee at Wokingham Borough Council gave applicants Bovis Homes and Persimmon Homes Ltd permission to press on with the final details of a 433-home mini town at Hatch Farm Dairies in King Street Lane, which includes the development of a primary school.

It is expected the school will be the new home of Bearwood Primary School, which is currently in Bearwood Road, Sindlesham.

Staff at the school are unwilling to comment on the proposed move but Rachael Wardell, strategic commissioner for children, young people and families at the borough council, told The Wokingham Times the granting of outline planning permission for the development is “good news”.

Mrs Wardell said: “This is planning permission for the development of the whole site and outlines planning permission for the construction of a two-form entry primary school with a 66 pupil intake each year.

“Negotiations and discussions about when the school will be built and the Bearwood Primary School connection isn’t going to happen until a decision is made when the housing itself will be built.

“I really cannot say any more than that, but the aspirations to relocate Bearwood Primary School have been there for quite some time and it is good news planning permission has been approved.”

The applicants behind the development must now put together a reserved matters application detailing the finer points of the proposed settlement for planning bosses to scrutinise before work to redevelop the former dairy yard can begin.

Hamish Buttle, planning manager for Bovis Homes, said: “We can now look to shape and develop our plans to provide these much-needed homes and associated infrastructure for local people.

“We will continue to work closely with the council and local community in this process and look forward to delivering these exciting plans which, as well as vital market-led and affordable housing, will include phase one of the Winnersh Relief Road, a 420-place primary school, which facilitates the relocation of Bearwood Primary, and a country park.”

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Most recent user comments 4 of 4

Probably the same gagging order you might find in a commercial organisation, though instead of brand or company liability management, the school would want to protect children. Very easy to say the wrong thing, have the wrong thing reported, or place information in the public domain that might be used against those using the school.

Ivor Biggun, winnersh
05/12/2011 at 07:51

Thanks Ivor. Shame if that's true; freedom of speech?

Damiano_Tommassi, Wokingham
02/12/2011 at 18:04

I'd expect some general policy is in place governing dealings with the media. I guess the staff are somewhat like the Queen insofar that they are unable to express their feeling in the press.