Redrow Residents express concerns about plans for a new school
Residents of the Leckhampton area of south Cheltenham have raised concerns that a new school will increase traffic problems. Kit Braunholtz, founder of the LEGLAG community group, said that the new school, combined with Redrow's residential development on Farm Lane, would cause "terrible" traffic issues.

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The news that a £30million school could open in Leckhampton has stirred up some strong opinions.

We revealed earlier that Gloucestershire County Council has earmarked land off Kidnappers Lane as the preferred location for a new secondary school, in a bid to ease Cheltenham's shortage of places.

The land was previously identified by developers for housing, but the county council has now expressed an interest in the land for a school.

Some residents have expressed concerns that the move will only add to Leckhampton's traffic problems and spoil its countryside.

But there is also excitement from parents who are hopeful of more options for their children.

Balcarras School, in Charlton Kings, will launch a bid to run the new school.

Dominic Burke, headteacher at comprehensive Balcarras, has said the school is needed to provide extra capacity for Cheltenham pupils.

(Image: Bing)

Kit Braunholtz founded the LEGLAG community group, which campaigns to protect Leckhampton green land.

He said: "I don't think the south of Cheltenham is the right place for a new school because of the traffic problems it would generate.

"Anyone who uses Shurdington Road already finds themselves queuing up for hours to get past the traffic lights.

"The land is part of the view from Leckhampton Hill. I think we all agree that should be protected."

Mr Braunholtz believes the new school and Redrow's development of more than 300 homes on Farm Lane will together create "terrible" traffic problems.

He added: "A lot of people will be extremely unhappy."

Other residents took to social media to vent their frustrations over the possible development.

Roger Merrett wrote on Facebook: “First Tewkesbury Borough Council allow Redrow to build houses in the fields off Farm Lane and now Gloucestershire County Council want to plonk a school off Kidnappers Lane.

“Why do the local authorities seem intent on ruining the countryside around Leckhampton?”

Marina Mason commented: “Glad I don't use Shurdington Road to get to work.... That will cause absolute mayhem in the morning!”

And Sarah Abbott added: “Would need a late start, my husband can take up to 30 mins some days to get down that small stretch of Shurdington Road!”

Mr Burke outlined plans to set up a trust to run both Balcarras and a new comprehensive school.

He said: “Balcarras is still in the process of preparing a bid to sponsor a new school for Cheltenham.

“The motivation is that we do think Cheltenham needs extra capacity. We have been under pressure for some time.

“We want to be part of the solution. The answer to that is not just to keep expanding schools.

“There comes a point when you can’t do that any longer. We are absolutely crammed. We are already over capacity by about 50 children on our site.”

Mr Burke described today’s announcement from the county council as “very welcome”.

He said: “During our consultation recently we stressed that we didn't have control over the site and that we awaited news from other parties as to where the location might be.

“Wherever the school is sited we want it to be an outstanding school in every sense.

“The prospect of being chosen to sponsor the school is exciting but we realise what a great responsibility it will be.”

Cheltenham Bournside School has previously expressed an interest in sponsoring the school.

Mum Marti Toth-Norris, from Up Hatherley, who has two children aged three and two, thinks the news is “very exciting”.

She added: “Cheltenham has such good schools, hopefully this will be another great one.

“The location is certainly wonderful. Hope they will make it accessible though as that area is infamous for those awful narrow roads.”

There was also support from Councillor Max Wilkinson (Lib Dem, Park).

Bournside, Gloucestershire County Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council have been approached for comment.