School bid for added security refused

A bid to install a two metre high security fence and pair of gates outside a Peterborough special school has been refused.

The application for Heltwate School, in Heltwate, Bretton, had been recommended for approval by planning officers from Peterborough City Council.

Members of the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee voted unanimously against the proposal when it came before them on Tuesday.

The application aimed to help improve safety for the school and its pupils.

Councillors heard the security fence would be by the roadside, opposite homes and enclose a section of open space - owned by the school, but nonetheless used by members of the community.

Cllr Graham Casey said: “I would feel really uncomfortable about fencing it off.”

Headded:“I haven’t been convinced the school needs to have a two metre high fence in front of people’s kitchens.”