Residents criticise Earlsfield primary school plans for Atheldene Centre

The planning application for the now vacant site of the Atheldene Centre was submitted in December last year.

To help fund construction costs Wandsworth Council is also proposing nine flats are built on the part of the Atheldene site that fronts Oakshaw Road.

The council last week asked residents to submit their views on the plans but the response has not been positive.

Complaints include concerns about building a large school on such a small site, impact on residents, the loss of 16 trees, as well as issues connected to traffic, parking, congestion and noise for residents in Atheldene and Farlton roads.

Susy Lloyd, Farlton Road, said: "The impact on residents will be huge. With 472 pupils, each accompanied by one parent, plus 50 staff, 1,000 people will be descending on Farlton Road every weekday morning and afternoon.

"The site is 0.5 hectares which is 27 per cent of the recommended 1.8 hectares for a school site with this many pupils.

"The traffic assessment estimates an additional 81 cars each day but we think this is conservative estimate.

"The proposal is for drop off points to be in the middle of Farlton Road. This will cause real chaos in these tiny streets. Farlton and Atheldene roads will be turned into rat runs with residents unable to exit the street - this is the experience of residents elsewhere."

The council's planning application includes the felling of 16 trees including Norway maple, wild cherry, elder, apple, ash and London plane but does not confirm whether any of the flats will qualify as affordable housing.

If approved, the school could form part of a wider regeneration of Earlsfield which could include a new health centre, new homes and new shops.

To find out more about the application visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/planningregister and key in the reference number 2013/6324.

Residents have until January 31 to register their views.

TODAY'S TOP WANDSWORTH STORIES