Fury has erupted at developer David Wilson Homes’ application to back out of a commitment to building a new primary school at Donnington Heights.
Fury has erupted over developer David Wilson Homes’ bid to scrap plans for a new primary school at Donnington Heights.
Shaw-cum-Donnington Parish Council has lodged a strong objection to the revised planning application submitted to West Berkshire Council.
“This application, if approved, would remove the need to provide land for a new school and its construction,” the objection states.
Parish council chair Margot Payne highlighted the problem, saying, “Our wonderful primary school, which just received a good Ofsted report, is stuck in an inadequate building for 21st-century education. This is totally unacceptable.”
David Wilson Homes argues there is no longer a need for the school due to a decline in birth rates, a claim strongly contested by the parish council, who fear that allowing this application could lead to the land being used for an additional 50 homes without necessary infrastructure.
“If we miss this opportunity for a new school, it may never happen in Shaw-cum-Donnington, leading to serious issues for our community,” the council warned.
Originally, permission for the 401-home development was granted in 2017, with David Wilson Homes set to build around 222 homes. Most are reportedly already occupied, which the developer uses to justify its stance on the school, asserting that most pupils already have local school places.
However, a spokesperson for David Wilson Homes Southern did not comment on future plans for the land if the application succeeds. Their PR firm stated, “We remain committed to working with West Berkshire Council to fulfil our obligations to the local community.”
The parish council emphasized that the current Shaw-cum-Donnington Primary School occupies a Grade II-listed Victorian building in poor condition, which deters parents despite recent good Ofsted ratings. Lacking adequate facilities like a playground, dining area, or a hall for assemblies, the school uses the Village Hall for essential activities, hiring it out weekly.
While various schools are nearby, the parish argues the need for a new school hinges not just on numbers, but on the current school's unsuitability. They envisioned a one form entry school to replace the inadequate 0.5 form entry currently in use, anticipating extra capacity for new housing developments in the area.
“With more housing expected soon, it would be foolish not to build the proposed school now and risk a shortage of places later,” the parish council stated.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
