Posted by 
Neighbours are raising objections against plans to rebuild Penwortham Girls School, accusing those behind the plans of secrecy amid fears a ‘catalogue of problems’ will be unleashed.
The ageing school is set to be replaced with a new build thanks to funding from the previous Government’s School Rebuilding Programme. The current 1960s building houses almost 800 pupils but is said by the school and the Department for Education (DfE) to no longer be fit for purpose with areas approaching the end of their life span.
The redevelopment was greeted with much excitement by school leaders and former South Ribble MP Katherine Fletcher. Construction firm Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed by the DfE to plan the replacement with a brief providing improved facilities and reducing running costs.
Read more: Preston to host business and political leaders during major convention in 2025
However, some of those living nearby are unhappy with the plans and have raised concerns over the risk of flooding, disturbance of Japanese knotweed, and loss of privacy for those on Poplar Drive, Cop Lane and Hill Road in Penwortham caused by the scale of the three-storey replacement.
They also believe the plans will involve 3G sports pitches being built on the facility, extending issues of noise, light and traffic into the evenings and weekends.
Addressing these points, a DfE spokesperson said Japanese knotweed is not in an area that affects the proposals and is already on a managed eradication programme by Lancashire County Council. He added that any asbestos on the site will be removed by licensed professionals.
The spokesperson also stressed that the exhibition event would allow for any incorrect information to be addressed but conceded there had been delays which “were caused by a variety of issues that took longer than anticipated to address”.
The public exhibition will take place at Penwortham Girls’ High School from 3.30pm to 7pm on Wednesday (17 July) and residents are urged to raise any concerns or feedback in that forum. The replacement school is to be built on the current playing fields, allowing the existing one to remain in use throughout construction.
Among the features of the latest designs are the retention of boundary trees and a large oak tree; greater parking provision and bus and taxi drop off areas; a sensory garden adjacent to SEND classrooms; a courtyard at rear of the school providing a large social area; and three pedestrian entrances separate from vehicles.
A petition was launched against the development earlier this year and has been signed almost 200 times and states: “Local residents are deeply concerned about the proposed construction of a new building for Penwortham Girls’ High School. The project intends to flatten the original school and rebuild a new educational facility on the school field.
“This project not only threatens to spoil our local scenery and ruin one of the last tree-lined avenues in Penwortham, but it also poses significant risks to our community’s infrastructure, with compound drilling being proposed.
“Since 2014, an estimated £1.8 million has been spent on refurbishing the existing school building. This is in addition to millions more invested prior to this period. Despite claims that the current structure is sinking, information obtained through the Freedom of Information Act confirms that it remains structurally sound, with improving the current building being a viable and cost-saving option.”
Read more: South Ribble has a new MP but it means a change of council leader
Expanding on those concerns, one neighbour told Blog Preston of a feeling the school has not been transparent during the process, with those behind the plans accused of “keeping us in the dark”. He also disputed claims the school cannot be sufficiently repaired instead of replaced and said any artificial pitches would lead to a loss of wildlife.
He added: “There are also plans to build a new power substation which will add to noise pollution. The lack of clarity is worrying and the lack of consideration for the community is a concern.”
Further disappointment has been caused by the window for feedback after the event being just five days long, with a deadline of Monday, July 22 for comments to be sent to info@penworthamgirlsplans.co.uk
A leaflet previewing the exhibition explains that the event’s display will be available on the website after the event. Those without internet access are asked to leave contact details on 07592570528 for information to be posted.
It adds: “The project team will carefully review your feedback along with that from other consultees before submitting a planning application to the local planning authority.”
Blog Preston approached Penwortham Girls School for further comment but they encouraged people to attend the consultation event and view the plans online.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
