THE decision to allow a free school to permanently stay in a small Bucks village will be appealed by South Bucks District Council.

Councillors have said the Secretary of State Eric Pickles ‘made a bad decision’ in granting the Khalsa Academy permanent residence in Stoke Poges and after seeking legal advice will launch a challenge.

SBDC Cllr Roger Reed, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: “We do not undertake legal action lightly.

“Eric Pickles has made a bad decision and we need to take action.

“The legal challenge is the best way of reversing the school’s adverse impact in terms of additional noise for our residents.”

A council spokesman added a Counsel’s advice was the decision to give approval was poorly reasoned and legally flawed on the noise aspects.

Permission was granted on appeal last month after residents fought over the last year for the Khalsa Academy not to fill the vacant Pioneer House, in Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges.

What do you think of the legal challenge? Have your say by emailing andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk