Fenstanton academy protest

6:54pm Tuesday 18th November 2008

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Furious parents and residents have accused Lambeth Council of ignoring democracy by steamrolling through controversial plans to build an academy on the site of a primary school and estate in Tulse Hill.

The £45m plans to redevelop the land where Fenstanton Primary is based in Abbots Park had been met with fierce opposition - but were still given the green light by the council cabinet last night.

At least 20 parents and residents who attended the meeting greeted the decision to push ahead with the construction of the 1,000 student academy alongside a rebuilt Fenstanton Primary with boos, hisses and cries of “shame on you”.

They say their outspoken objections - including a 600 signature petition handed to councillors - have been totally ignored and that consultations involving them were “half-hearted”.

Only one resident was allowed to speak at the meeting.

Audience member Rahul Patel cried out: “This is disgraceful. How can you call this democracy?

“Parents do not want an academy nor does the area but still you are still building it. You are not listening to the people you represent.”

Councillor Paul McGlone, cabinet member for children and young people, insisted consultation had been widespread and comprehensive but admitted the council carried it out firmly wanting to build the academy.

The borough was desperate for a new school, he said, and Fenstanton was the only suitable site.

He claimed residents always objected to schools being built on their doorsteps and in doing so were demonising young people.

St Martin’s residents fear a rise in antisocial behaviour on the estate as a result of the influx of students, but also that they will lose valuable green space.

None of their homes have gardens and there is no green space in the immediate vicinity.

But the council has promised the community the chance to use sports facilities built on the site.

However objections from the St Martin’s estate could still represent a large stumbling block to the council, who are likely to need to seek a compulsory purchase order to secure the land.

Terry Curtis, the chair of owners the St Martin’s Partnership, warned the council it had “grave concerns” about plans that could have a “disastrous impact on the community.”

Transport for London have also expressed concern about the entrance to the school being on the busy South Circular Road.

Fenstanton Primary, which is in desperate need of new facilities, in principle support the plans.

Governor David Clarson said he hoped up to 50 per cent of enrolments at the new school could be from Fenstanton.

After the meeting, Councillor Paul McGlone, Lambeth's cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We need more local schools and parents want their children educated in Lambeth – no details have been decided about the Fenstanton site and won’t be decided without the input of the community.

"This project gives us the chance to invest £45m and give our children and local people facilities they want. Now there will be extensive discussions with everyone concerned to work out the best way to ensure this fantastic project benefits everyone.”

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