The opening and closing times of a school gate which links Co-op Academy Priesthorpe to Rockwood Road has attracted 29 objections, with concerns surrounding road safety.
The school currently has permission to open the gate 30 minutes prior to the start of the school day and closed 30 minutes after the start, as well as 30 minutes prior to the end of the school day and closed 30 minutes after the end.
The school is asking for revised opening times – for the gate to be open 30 minutes prior to start of school day and close 15 minutes after the start; and open 15 minutes prior to end of the school day and close 75 minutes after end of the school day.
But local residents are objecting on the grounds of dangerous and inconsiderate parking, rubbish strewn on surrounding residents, rude and abusive behaviour, no consultation and poor public relations with the school.
Cllrs Andrew and Amanda Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) have objected on the grounds of highway safety, conflicting vehicle movements and that the school should effectively organise better its school day without adversely further affecting local residents.
Cllr Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) has objected due to the ‘severe amount of inappropriate parkin’g, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour that are completely unsuitable down such a small street.
He says residents already have to endure cars parked for up to two hours outside their houses, often blocking driveways, and in some cases leading to threats of violence when asked to move.
A report by planning officer Nigel Wren recommends the plans are approved at next Thursday’s south and west plans panel meeting. The report concludes:
“Matters raised in relation to the alleged behaviour of drivers, anti-social activities and littering are not issues which can be covered by planning controls and would be a matter for the police to investigate.
“It is considered that the variation of the planning permission to extend the opening time of the gate connecting Priesthorpe School to the Rockwood Estate, as detailed above, is acceptable.
“The proposal is considered to be policy compliant and it is not considered to adversely impact on the amenity of nearby residents and would not be detrimental to highway safety.”