The company behind the large housing development at Donnington Heights in Newbury is trying to back out of a commitment to build a primary school there.
The company behind the housing development at Donnington Heights in Newbury is trying to back out of its commitment to build a primary school, citing a drop in the birth rate in West Berkshire as the reason.
Permission for the 401-home project was granted in 2017, with David Wilson Homes and Taylor Wimpey sharing the construction. David Wilson is set to build around 222 homes, with three-quarters already occupied. They argue that many of the new residents already have school places locally.
Heather Codling, the local education authority head, disagrees: "I am not happy with them trying to get out of this. I expect those houses to last a hundred years, and it has to be a long-term thing. Our numbers are pretty good in Newbury and Thatcham. That estate was built with the obligation to provide a school."
A report for the developers claims there are eight primary schools within two miles of the site, with an estimated 33 surplus places available by January 2025. Birth rates in West Berkshire remain below their 2014 peak, but the report suggests a significant increase in surplus places after 2026/27.
Ultimately, it is up to council planners to make a decision on the matter.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
Outrage as School Plans Scrapped by Developer
