CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new Sikh school in Stoke Poges have been recommended for refusal ahead of the council planning hearing next week.

The South Bucks District Council Officers' Report highlights a raft of concerns over proposals for the Khalsa Secondary Academy on Hollybush Hill, citing the impact on Green Belt as a major issue.

Officers signalled the potential dangers of allowing this development to create a precedent whereby any future Green Belt developments would become more difficult to refuse.

And concerns were also raised about the loss of a key employment site for South Bucks at the former Pioneer UK office complex.

The conclusion states: "It is not considered that the weight that should be afforded to the need to create such an educational facility is sufficient to outweigh the harm that would be caused in this instance to the Green Belt, combined with the loss of an important employment site."

Saera Carter, vice-chairman of Stoke Poges Parish council, has helped lead a large-scale village campaign against the plans since they emerged early this year.

She said: "Stoke Poges Parish Council is pleased with the Officers' Report as we were confident that this application is contrary to any of our planning policies.

"We now wait for the outcome of SBDC planning committee comments & democratic decision."

The Slough Sikh Education Trust made the application for the Free School on February 19 and hopes to build a sports hall, martial arts dojo and stable on the 11-acre site.

Chair of trustees Nick Kandola said: "We are extremely disappointed that Officers at SBDC have chosen to issue a recommendation against the re-use of Pioneer House for a new school.

"I am particularly surprised as we have worked constructively with the council to bring forward a strong application and had understood that the very limited extensions proposed would be acceptable.

"Our firm commitment to opening this school in September, and the determination we get from the many passionate voices of support will see us continue to explore every opportunity to provide Khalsa Secondary Academy.

The SBDC planning committee will now review the arguments on both sides when they hear the application on Wednesday.

The Officers' Report recommends that committee members conduct a site visit before making their ultimate decision.