A NEW Primary School for Crediton, located within the proposed Pedlarspool development and part-funded by the developer is "critical" Mid Devon District Council states within its Draft Infrastructure Plan, Regulation 123 list and Section 106 policy.

Total cost of the new 210-pupil "Free School" or Academy primary school, including early years provision, is estimated at £2.8 million, plus land.

The document notes that the school would be funded by developer contributions and Devon County Council, adding that cost would be dependent on final development strategy.

The building of the new school would be in phase with development.

In addition, the District Council's Draft Infrastructure Plan, Regulation 123 list and Section 106 policy lists as "desirable", minor expansion to both Hayward's and Landscore Primary Schools in the town to accommodate background growth, adding that this may be a temporary measure.

It is proposed that this takes place between now and 2019.

Mid Devon District Councillor for Crediton and a member of Mid Devon's planning committee, Martin Binks has expressed his concern for the education of Crediton's Primary School aged children of the future.

He says that in Mid Devon's Local Plan Review, at present in the process of consultation, the North Eastern side of Crediton has the following proposed housing sites: CRE2 Red Hill Cross number of houses 135, CRE3 Cromwells Meadow number of houses 35, CRE5 Pedlarspool, Exhibition Road number of houses 200, CRE6 Sports fields, Exhibition Road number of houses 120 and CRE7 Stonewall Lane number of houses 50.

Mr Binks explains: "Although none of these houses have yet been built in Crediton, it will not be long before developers come forward and start to build.

"The Government insist that, we, as a District Council, have to make plans for new houses in our area.

"Luckily for Crediton it has been decided that the lion's share of new housing will be built in the eastern part of our district, consequently reducing the number of proposed builds in Crediton.

"I am, however, very concerned that the cumulative impact of all these developments will dramatically affect Crediton in two ways.

"Obviously with over 500 houses built our wonderful primary schools of Hayward's and Landscore will not be able to cope, even with the proposed plans for the enlargement of Hayward's Primary."

Mr Binks adds: "Devon County Council must come up with plans, as soon as possible, that should be submitted with Mid Devon's Local Plan for a new school in the North East of the town.

"Plans must also be considered, for the large number of extra cars getting from those housing developments onto the A377, as it is very unlikely that Exhibition Road will be able to cope with the increase in traffic."

A spokesman for Devon County Council said that Mid Devon District Council's Draft Infrastructure Plan, Regulation 123 list and Section 106 policy clearly identifies the need for a new school for Crediton to be established – funded by developers – and planned to coincide with new housing development.

He explained that it emphasises that this is a "top priority".

He added: "Devon is working closely with local primary schools to ensure there are sufficient places to meet the short and medium term needs of the town.

"We've responded to the Mid Devon Local Plan proposals and identified the clear need to secure a new primary school site in Crediton to support the plan."

Under the current Government, local education authorities can no longer simply identify a need for a new school, go out and build one and open it.

The LEA's are required to advertise for sponsors to open a new school, as an academy or free school.

Gary Read, head teacher at Landscore Primary School, said Devon County Council was aware of the growing need for extra primary school places in Crediton.

He added: "Both Hayward's and Landscore Primary Schools are in negotiation with the county council regarding the expansion and improvement of both sites.

"The long-term plan is to increase the capacity of both schools to 420, so creating an additional 175 primary school places in the town."

• Do you think a new primary school for Crediton is "critical"?

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