Road safety fears as school plan unveiled
A DECISION which could see a new school built in the north east of Glasgow has received more than 30 letters of objection due to road safety fears.
The plans to demolish the existing Blairdardie Primary and build a new school have been met by concerns over parking and road safety from local residents.
Bill Kidd MSP and local councillors have also weighed in, questioning the number of spaces allocated for parking and the road safety measures on roads surrounding the school grounds.
The planning applications committee is set to make a decision on the demolition on the existing school and the erection of a new school as well as publicly accessible sports facilities.
But in a letter to the planning committee councillor Judith Fisher said: “Having campaigned for a new-build primary school and new sports facilities in Blairdardie since before I was even elected in 2012, I am surprised and disappointed to find myself writing to object to elements of this application.
“I am strongly in favour of this project which is much needed, but I am hoping that changes can be made to ensure that the final build meets the needs of the community.”
The councillor went on to say that there are currently “massive issues” with parking and road safety around the existing school.
Councillor Fisher said the area, particularly Kearn Avenue, is congested in the morning and afternoon when kids arrive at and leave school.
She added: “There is not enough space for the number of parents wishing to drop off and pick up their children and this leads to tension and dangerous manoeuvres.
“It is dangerous for children and other pedestrians, for residents and for drivers.”
Councillor Malcolm Balfour also raised his concerns in a letter.
His concerns included the “omission” of a safe drop-off zone for pupils and the “lack of parking facilities” not only for teachers but for those making use of the new sports facilities within the school grounds.
Brian Kidd MSP also sent a letter to the planning committee saying he shares the concerns of residents, especially over the issues of parking and drop-off points.
If the plans are accepted, the new school would provide 16 primary classrooms with two general-purpose classrooms.
The car park is planned to provide 22 car parking spaces, plus two disabled parking spaces.