A SIX classroom extension to a Grays school looks set to go ahead despite concerns over the extra traffic it would bring to the surrounding area.
Plans for the extension at Woodside Academy, Grangewood Avenue, were due to be approved at a Thurrock Council planning meeting last night, but the decision has now been deferred to next month so a public consultation, due to finish today, can be completed.
Concerns have been raised over how Grangewood Avenue would cope by residents, and were highlighted at the meeting by ward councillor Ben Maney.
He said they weren’t opposed to the expansion and recognised there is a need for extra school spaces, but added Grangewood Avenue is regularly brought to gridlock because of traffic.
Plans for the two storey extension also include that for 42 parking spaces.
School head teacher Ed Caines said the school has a criteria based on proximity and those who live closest to the school will fill up the extra classrooms.
He said of the traffic problem: “We do more than any other school in the borough to encourage cycling and walking.”
He added: “If we enforced proper traffic rules then we wouldn’t be having half the problem we get. People know they can get away with it.”
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