Residents oppose new school hall over congestion and parking concerns
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has received 13 letters opposing the proposal
Residents have opposed a school's plans for a new hall over congestion, parking, ecology and noise concerns.
Listerdale Junior Academy in Beech Avenue, Brecks, has applied to build a new assembly hall, administrative entrance link and a covered parking area beneath the hall, with space for six cars.
However, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has received 13 letters opposing the proposal, which has been recommended for approval at the next meeting of the planning board on October 29.
Objectors say school drop off and pick up times already cause congestion, blocked driveways and inconsiderate parking, with further concerns raised about access for emergency services.
They fear references to the new hall being earmarked for community use could mean evening and weekend events, classes and meetings, bringing more visitors and noise outside school hours.
But planning officers recommend approval, saying the development would improve school facilities without increasing pupil or staff numbers.
Their report says overall parking provision would remain at 32 spaces and the proposals would not increase school traffic. Council highways officers have raised no objection, subject to conditions.
Neighbours have also raised concerns about privacy, security and activity close to rear gardens associated with proposed pedestrian access from Beech Avenue. Other objections cover construction noise, dust and heavy vehicles, alongside potential effects on trees and wildlife.
Addressing concerns about use outside school hours, planning officers say school halls commonly accommodate plays and external groups.
“These activities tend to be limited and appropriate for school setting and forms part of its community purposes,” the report states.
“It is not considered appropriate or necessary to restrict hours of use or who can use the facility.”
Officers add that the enclosed hall would contain noise and would not cause undue disturbance beyond that associated with an active primary school.
A construction management plan and details of the proposed heat pump would be required to limit disturbance.
The application will go before Rotherham Council’s planning board because of the objections received.