RESIDENTS living around Prince Henry’s High School (PHHS) in Evesham have welcomed the news that controversial plans to potentially triple the size of the Henrician have been rowed back.
The Observer reported exclusively on this story on March 6 about longstanding concerns about traffic congestion at peak times along narrow residential roads, which become easily blocked when the school hosts events.
These were heightened following rumours of a potential extension and modernisation of the former Evesham Arts Centre.
Marion Fleetwood, who lives near the school. s
Following the intervention of district councillors Mary Tasker (Evesham North, Lab) and Charlie Homer (Evesham North, Con), however, who met with headteacher Dr Evans and the leadership team at PHHS, last Friday (March 27) it seems the school has had a change of heart.
A joint statement confirmed that there were no plans for a thousand-seat theatre to be constructed on the PHHS site and no planning application had been submitted or was imminent.
Furthermore, when the school had developed a firmer proposal, there was a commitment to a proper process including consultation, and residents and local councillors will have the opportunity to have their say.
Marion Fleetwood told the Observer; “This is good news, for now. Through the recent actions of our informal residents group working with our councillors, we hope we have at least brought transparency to the plans the school was considering.
“Although there is no planning permission being sought yet, we will be monitoring the situation closely. We are glad that residents will rightly be involved and able to make representations in the very early stages of any proposals the school may make in future.
“We will also continue to work with the county council and school to make our streets safer and ease the chaos that the growing amount of school site traffic can cause.”
Coun Charlie Homer said: “I was really pleased with how constructive the meeting was, and I’m glad that residents now have some reassurance about the situation.
“I look forward to continuing that open dialogue with the school, residents and wider community as and when things develop.”
Coun Mary Taster added that the two councillors were very pleased with the outcome and that they were able to support both residents and the school with a positive way forward.
“We will continue to maintain constructive dialogue and believe this is the right approach to ensure any future proposals are shaped with the input of the local community.
“We will continue to keep people informed of any progress or any further developments,” she added.
