The public has until April 21 to comment on a planning application submitted by Bitterne Park Primary School to enclose part of Riverside Park with a 2.1m fence, “stop up” the existing footpath behind the school and divert it around the perimeter of the fenced area.
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As reported, there has been much debate about whether the land should be enclosed for exclusive school use, if so whether and on what basis it should be available for the public out of school hours and in school holidays, and whether the existing footpath behind the school should be closed to the public.
In a statement about the planning application, chair of governors Howard Whitehead, left, told bitternepark.info that the application was to divert the path around the green space and fence off the area “as per our original plans”.
“We are applying to change the 'right of way' as part of the overall application,” he said.
He added that during school hours the gates will be locked; during school holidays and bank holidays the gates will be open with full and free access; and at all other times the gates will again be locked, with a booking system for private events or functions.
“Our decision was made based on feedback from the two public meetings [see our reports here and here] and after consultation with key stakeholders, including FORP [Friends of Riverside Park], who we have been working very closely with. FORP has kindly agreed to continue to work with us during the planning application process and have been very helpful in the design of the area. We considered FORP’s backing to the original plan as integral to us proceeding with the application,” said Mr Whitehead.
Doug Perry, left, chair of FORP said: “We had a meeting with them before they put it in. Now when we've looked at it closely, it looks a bit different, so we've got another meeting with them on April 21, to make sure it's right – what we've agreed.”
“We came to an amicable agreement that they would open it up out of school hours, so it's open to all Southampton residents, or anybody, remaining as a dog-free zone, obviously” he said.
He added that he hoped gates were going to be put into the school boundary wall so it could be locked, and the existing pathway would remain open during out of school hours. He said FORP had been unable to arrange a further meeting with the school until April 21 to discuss the issue further.
Link
The planning application is online on the council's planning portal, where comments can be made.
Previously
2007 Article on bitternepark.info 'Schools consult over parks plan'
2014 Article outlining idea, including links to download Bitterne Park Primary School’s letter to residents and draft plan, and comments
2014 FORP calls public meeting over park plan
Oct 14 Park plan: Meeting seeks common ground
Dec 14 Meeting hears new options for school's park plan