Residents of neighbouring properties in New Zealand Avenue, Claremont Road and Palace Close complained about the volume of traffic at drop off and pick up times which prevents them from leaving their homes. And many who attended the meeting expressed concerns about the prospect of another school being built in the area, after Advocate Peter Mourant asked for confirmation that the former Heathfield children’s home was a potential site for a new preparatory school for Victoria College.
‘I want to issue a public warning that there will be riots in this area if there is a suggestion of another school going in on Heathfield,’ he said.
JCG is proposing to create two football-size playing fields on agricultural land to the east of the Prep School with a nature conservation area for outside education above Ivystill Lane. About 40 residents attended the meeting held in the senior school.
Other issues raised included loss of public access, noise pollution and the risk of structural damage to adjacent properties from the earth works required to level sloping land.
Head teacher Carl Howarth, who chaired the meeting, assured the residents that all their concerns would be taken on board and further discussions would be held with them before a formal planning application is submitted. He also said their comments about traffic and parking would also be addressed, and raised with parents. He also urged them to raise the same with the parish.
