Bid to solve row over parking
near school

Thackley Primary School in Bradford is expanding to accommodate an increase of about 90 pupils who will be housed in temporary classrooms during the construction of an extension and refurbishment works.

Previous plans were put on hold by councillors over concerns about on-site parking spaces.

The plans have now been revised to include 29 on-site car parking spaces, up from 10.

Residents have complained about the “inconsiderate attitude of parents parking in the area”, with some breaking highways regulations in their haste to drop off children.

The lack of spaces at the school has meant teachers parking on streets close to the school.

A report to be discussed by the Bradford planning panel on Thursday proposes the introduction of traffic regulation orders within the vicinity of the school to restrict parking during school hours.

The report says: “The main issue raised by councillors was the lack of off-street parking for staff which resulted in a large portion of on-street parking being occupied by staff throughout the day, making it difficult for parents to find parking near to the school when dropping off or picking up children.”

Local councillors suggested increasing on-site school parking spaces to 45 but this, according to the report, would be unreasonable because it would reduce the amount of space for children to play.

Council officers are recommending the revised plans be given the go-ahead.

The report states that the application includes an updated travel plan which encourages staff to share cars and more pupils to consider walking or cycling to school.