A SCHOOL that opened nearly 10 years ago on a temporary site in Caversham has launched a proposal to expand its pupil roll despite opposition from neighbours.
The Caversham Heights Primary launched in temporary buildings, before moving to a site built on the Mapledurham Playing Fields in August 2021.
The extension would enable it to take on more pupils – up to 450 from 350 – but neighbours say it will lead to noise disturbance, light pollution and heavier traffic.
If approved by Reading Borough Council, class sizes would go to 30 per pupils, up from the current 25. There would be two classes per year.
The expansion plan has been opposed by the Warren and District Residents Association (WADRA) due to complaints about ‘intolerable noise’ coming from the school, light pollution from its multi-use games area (MUGA) and traffic at the playing fields car park.
In an official objection to the plan, Elisa Miles, the group’s chair, said: “WADRA strongly object to the expansion of school places at The Heights, as there is no need for an increased number of places in our area, the negative impact on the traffic infrastructure and safety, Mapledurham Playing Fields users, increased noise pollution, continuing light pollution and the potential for a negative impact on other schools in the area.”
WADRA members have argued that their concerns should be addressed before The Heights is allowed to expand.
It has also stated that there were more than 90 empty primary school places in Caversham in 2023 – therefore the expansion is unnecessary.
Karen Edwards, the headteacher of the school, said no new buildings are needed as the existing site was designed to accommodate 420 pupils.
On the need for school places, Mrs Edwards said: “It’s important to look at Caversham not just as a whole, but as different parts.
“In our area of northwest Caversham we have waiting lists for two classes and year groups.
“We are not looking to expand our catchment area, we’re looking to be able to provide places for those families who are in catchment to be able to get into a local school.”
She added that the school was ‘directed’ by the Department of Education to seek to increase its pupil numbers and has its full support.
WADRA also argued that neighbours have ‘suffered intolerable noise’ from the school and its holiday club each weekday from the morning until 6pm.
In response, Mrs Edwards said the school has considered installing an acoustic fence, it requires the consent of neighbours to establish.
In the meantime, The Heights has planted bamboo along its boundary to provide noise damping.
Addressing complaints about light coming from the MUGA, Mrs Edwards said: “We have the blinds down for the windows so there’s less glare which has been accepted by residents.
“The lights have been angled lower and cowling was installed in Spring this year.”
Concerns were also raised about the car park for Mapledurham Playing Fields being filled at school drop-off and pick-up times.
To that, Mrs Edwards said: “The vast majority of children and parents walk, cycle or scoot to school.
“Some do need to drive as pupils or parents have disabilities.”
She added that The Heights won a gold rating by Modeshift Stars, which reviews travel plans, with the school being named its Local Authority Primary School of the Year in 2022/23.
Mrs Edwards said: “We are committed to sustainable travel.”
Safety concerns over the pedestrian route into the playing fields were raised last year, as only the right-hand side of the entranceway is paved.
Mrs Edwards replied that discussions are being undertaken to extend the paving on the left-hand side to provide a second passing crossing point for pedestrians.
The expansion must be decided on by the council.
You can view and comment on the expansion plan by typing reference 231023 into the council’s planning portal.
