Consultation on a new primary school for Whiteley - some frequently asked questions

Since the recent consultation document was distributed a number of queries have been received about the proposals to establish a voluntary aided primary school on a small part of the Whiteley recreation land. To help clarify the position, answers to these questions are set out below.

Q Is the recreation land the only viable site for a second primary school in Whiteley?

A We have looked carefully at all the other possibilities, but using this land is the only option which will allow the school to be built in time to meet the rising demand for primary school places in Whiteley. Although a site which is outside the current built-up area of Whiteley has been suggested, it is a considerable distance from an access road and essential services and a long way from much of Whiteley. The site's location outside the built-up area means that complex planning issues would need to be resolved and access provided. Even if these issues could be resolved, there would be a long delay before a school could be built.

Q Won't the school take up a large amount of the current public recreation space?

A The land take for the school building is small (approximately 5% of the total public recreation space), as much of the site would comprise the school playing field. The location of the building has been carefully chosen to minimise its impact on the recreation space. There would be a net gain of a school, church, junior football pitch and skate park with all other facilities being reinstated to at least the present standard.

Q Why can't some of the industrial land be used for a school?

A A school on the industrial land would be remote from many areas of Whiteley and would be difficult to access on foot. A suitable site would need to be identified and negotiations held with the landowners, who we believe will be unwilling to sell. The County Council would not normally view an industrial area as a suitable location for a school. The volume and type of traffic generated by the business park would be of particular concern.

Q Are there plans for a future expansion of the proposed school from one to two forms of entry, with the resultant loss of more public recreation space?

A There are no plans to extend the proposed primary school from one form of entry (210 places) to two forms of entry (420 places). North Whiteley, if built, would have its own school provision.

Q Isn't Hampshire County Council in a position to compulsorily purchase any suitable site for a primary school in Whiteley?

A Hampshire County Council cannot simply acquire any land by compulsion. It can make a draft Compulsory Purchase Order, but if there are objections (including from the landowner) the Government will then hold a Public Inquiry, and it is ministers who eventually decide whether to confirm the draft, or reject the proposal. The process takes a considerable time and the outcome is uncertain. That is why the County Council is concerned that the option of a CPO on the USS owned land to the west of the District Centre would be fraught with risk and subject to a long delay.

Q Will a church school discriminate against Whiteley residents?

A No. Although the school could  set its own admissions policy it has to do so within the national code of practice which requires the policy to be reasonable and gives Hampshire County Council the legal right to challenge anything it considers to be unreasonable. In practice, priority would be given to the admission of local children, regardless of faith. Children from outside Whiteley could be admitted on faith grounds, but only if places were available once local children had been accommodated.

Q Is there a danger of the Government funding to build the new school being lost if a site is not agreed in principle in the next few weeks?

A Yes. Availability of the capital funding of over £4m from central Government is time limited. If statutory notices to establish the school are not published by the summer, the Department for Education and Skills could withdraw the money.