Religious group face objection to new school

5:30am Saturday 1st September 2007

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By Melanie Adams »

They wanted to provide their children with a new and exciting learning environment with space to play outside.

However, the hopes of a religious group battling to build the facility may have been dashed after local residents complained that the new school would create too much traffic.

The Plymouth Brethren say they want to build a new school for 90 youngsters in countryside between Botley and Horton Heath to reduce the strain on its current Allbrook School, near Eastleigh and lessen overcrowding.

The conversion of Ashberry House on the Winchester Road, along with an extension, would provide more classrooms, a canteen, a library and an extended play area for pupils outside.

However, more than 60 people have now signed a petition against the plans, worried that the sheer size and scale of the building would scar the landscape and cause huge traffic congestion in the area.

Eastleigh Borough Council officers are now due tell councillors on Monday that the scheme on the B3354, near the Bubb Lane roundabout, should be rejected.

For the full story see today's Southern Daily Echo.