Council says it has school places covered (From Bucks Free Press)

Council says it has school places covered in Beaconsfield

7:30am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

Council says it has school places covered

PLANS for a major new housing development in Beaconsfield have re-ignited concerns about a shortage of school places in the town.

The MoD recently announced plans to move its Defence School of Languages out of Wilton Park, which is off the A40, with the land already earmarked as a potential site for around 300 homes.

Two years ago 16 Beaconsfield children were left without a place at any of the town’s primary schools due to a shortage of places, although this issue has since been resolved through an expansion of St Mary & All Saints School in Maxwell Road.

And Buckinghamshire County Council says the work done at St Mary's has already accounted for the population growth that Wilton Park could bring.

A spokesman said: "More school places for Beaconsfield have been provided by Buckinghamshire County Council at St Mary & All Saints School, which is currently being extended to create capacity for a second form of entry, from 210 to 420 pupils.

"As part of the consultation for this expansion in June 2011, the county council looked at housing growth projections for Beaconsfield to 2026, and took into account the future proposed development at Wilton Park."

Meanwhile, Seeleys Close resident Deborah Sanders says the housing project could be a major opportunity to provide community space such as primary care, faith and support facilities.

Councils can attach conditions to planning permission which require developers to invest in local infrastructure.

South Bucks District Council is working with the MOD and developer Inland Homes to formulate detailed plans for the site.