Council Rejects Plans to Scrap School Funding

West Berkshire Council has refused David Wilson Homes' bid to remove planning obligations to provide a primary school at Donnington Heights in North Newbury.

The North Newbury scheme, approved in 2017 for 401 homes off Love Lane/Bastion Street (David Wilson Homes to build about 222), included a one-form entry primary school site and a Section 106 package worth around £4.5m toward a new primary school.

David Wilson Homes applied to drop the school land and funding, citing falling birth rates and surplus pupil places at nearby schools.

But the council said the obligations "continue to serve a useful planning purpose".

Local parish and council objections noted the local Victorian school is inadequate and that infrastructure commitments must serve the estate's long-term needs.

"The Council welcomes new development that delivers homes for local people, but it is equally important that growth is accompanied by the infrastructure and services communities need to thrive.

"From schools and transport links to open spaces and community facilities, developers must play their part in supporting sustainable communities. The obligations attached to the North Newbury development were agreed as part of the original planning permission and were intended to help meet the needs of both current and future residents.

"By refusing this application, the Council is sending a clear message that we remain committed to ensuring that new development within West Berkshire is supported by the necessary infrastructure and that commitments made through the planning process are honoured."

The decision enforces that the school site and funding remain mandatory parts of the development's long-term planning framework. David Wilson Homes has been approached for comment.

Earlier this year, council planners said a new primary school and doctors surgery at a Mortimer development are "no longer needed". Instead the developer must pay nearly £30,000 towards extra space at the existing Mortimer surgery. Revised plans now propose 32 retirement properties, 17 parking spaces, a playing field for St John's Infant School and a private dental surgery for the former Redwood site.

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter