‘Thousands’ back singer’s plan to open school at home
CHARLOTTE CHURCH says she’s had thousands of messages of support for her plans to open a school at her home.
The singer and activist says she has held “positive” talks with the Vale of Glamorgan Council amid an investigation into her plans at her home in Dinas Powys.
The council is investigating whether Charlotte has already set up the school in an annexe of her home without planning permission.
Neighbours have also raised concerns with the council about potential traffic and noise.
Charlotte – who says she’s hosting a home school tutoring group there and operating within the law – says she’s hopeful of a positive outcome from the investigation.
She said: “We had a really positive meeting. We talked about a lot of the issues regarding who has complained and it’s a very small group of people.
“As compared to the picture painted for them by neighbours (the council) were surprised at what we were doing and how compliant we’re already being.
“We’re hopeful of a positive outcome but we don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Charlotte’s non-fee-paying school would be for 20 local children – which will be based at her home only for the first year.
The school, for children aged between nine and 12, would be “democratic” and give children a say on how its run – including the curriculum and the long-term location of the school
Charlotte said: “We have had thousands of messages of support from emails and twitter messages. Mostly it’s people seeing it’s such a positive thing we’re doing.”
Charlotte has previously said just one vehicle will be needed to take children to and from the school.
The council’s enforcement investigation is still ongoing.
Marcus Goldsworthy, head of planning and regeneration at Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “A planning application has been submitted for the temporary use of a former residential annex as a school.
“The application remains under consideration and planning officers have met with the applicant and her agents to discuss the further information that is required to support the application, and allow it to be fully considered.
“It is unfortunate that the applicant has apparently decided to commence the change of use prior to obtaining all the necessary consents and the council reserves the right to take further action if the required information is not forthcoming.”