Department for Education to host meeting about controversial free school project in Walsall
The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a drop in consultation for residents concerned about the new free school at Reedswood Park.
The date was set following persistent upset from residents, a planning agent, and the local MP.
The DfE chose Walsall as one of 16 areas across the country to receive a new free school back in 2017.
It found the former Reedswood Golf Course was the preferred site for the facility which will host 1000 school places.
Windsor Academy Trust has been appointed to deliver the project that will offer provision for Year 7 – 11 aged students as well as a sixth form.
Last month Walsall Council approved a £1 million spend and a 125-year lease to the DfE to start works on the project.
BAM construction has been appointed to lead on the design and development of the school, which is subject to planning permission.
Deputy leader Councillor Adrian Andrew said he ‘struggled to understand’ how anyone can oppose the project.
But significant opposition has been raised over access and the loss of 13.7 acres of woodland.
Former ward councillor, Chris Jones, said the woodland was created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee which the ‘council sees fit to destroy’.
Local MP for Walsall and Bloxwich, Valerie Vaz, described the project as a ‘white elephant’ as there ‘is no case for a new school’.
Robin Whitehouse, director at Goldfinch Town Planning Services, said the scheme was a ‘money grabbing exercise with no regard for huge levels of environmental damage’.
Most recently, three sisters living next to the site fear that access to the school will be outside their homes on the already congested Reedswood Lane.
They also said no residents have been contacted by Walsall Council or the Department for Education about the major project right on their doorsteps.
All who have spoken out against the plans agreed that repurposing the vacant Sneyd Comprehensive School on Vernon Way would be less environmentally damaging, have better access, and make better use of taxpayers’ money.
A drop-in session has been scheduled for Tuesday March, 17, from 4pm – 8pm, at Talbot House, Bentley Lane, WS2 8SP.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: “We are proceeding with free school projects that meet the needs of communities and raise standards across local areas.
“Parents, local authorities and residents will be invited to take part in consultation to learn more about the plans and share their views.”
Councillor Mark Statham, portfolio holder for children’s, families and lifelong learning at Walsall Council, said: “A new school that will provide education for more than 1,000 local young people is incredibly positive for our borough, and we’re proud that Walsall is one of just sixteen areas in England selected to receive significant investment from central government.
“The views of residents and the wider community will be essential in shaping how the school develops, with the first of many opportunities to get involved taking place this month.”
