New school set for go-ahead

WORRIES over parking problems in the heart of Rendlesham are unlikely to stop or alter proposals for a new £2.2 million primary school for the community.

The 210-place school for four to 11 year olds plus a 25-space nursery is set to be built due to the huge influx of families expected with the redevelopment of the Woodbridge air base as an army camp.

Up to 400 extra primary school age youngsters are expected to need school places within the next decade putting pressure on Eyke Village School and Sandlings Primary.

The community is already one of the largest in Suffolk without its own primary school – but on Wednesday, county councillors are recommended to give the project the go-ahead.

If they do, work will start later this year with the school open to receive its first pupils in September 2006, catering initially for those living in hundreds of homes being constructed at the old Bentwaters USAF site.

A report to the county development control sub committee said Rendlesham Primary School, to be built off Sycamore Drive, will initially cater for 210 pupils but is designed so to be expanded to 315 places in the future if necessary.

There will also be a playing field with two pitches, informal play areas, netball court, cycle park, parent waiting area and environmental area.

There is widespread support for the school but Rendlesham Parish Council does have some concern over parking problems it could generate – especially as the school car park will only take 26 vehicles.

But a report to the committee said county council officers are satisfied parking provision on the school site and in the village centre is sufficient, as peak use of the shops, sports centre and school would not normally coincide.

n What do you think of plans for a new primary school at Rendlesham? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

WEBLINK: www.suffolkcc.gov.uk