CHILDREN in Puddletown will have to wait a little longer for their new school to be given the go-ahead after councillors agreed to defer a decision on a planning application.

Members of Dorset County Council’s planning committee called for more investigation to be made into potential parking provision and road safety issues surrounding the long-awaited new Puddletown First School after concerns were raised by local residents.

The community in Puddletown has been waiting around seven years for a new school to replace the existing Puddletown First School and council officers had recommended that the development on land to the west of St Mary’s Middle School be approved.

However, councillors were struck by representations from a number of residents from properties near the development site who were concerned that the plans included no provision for parents to park or drop off their children on the new site.

Victoria Parsons, who lives opposite the proposed development site, said: “We support the need for the school but have very grave concerns with the absence of parking and drop off points for parents.”

Other issues raised by locals included the need for a pedestrian crossing by the new school and fears over the speed of drivers on the stretch of road outside the proposed new building.

Members of the committee agreed to defer a decision on the application until the road safety and parking issues are further investigated.

Headteacher at Puddletown First School Daniel Hunwick said he hoped the plans would meet with approval when they are re-considered by the committee.

He said: “We are really looking forward to the new school.

“Obviously the design is fantastic and it meets all of our needs as far as learning goes.

“It will be great to have the outside environment that we can use and the additional sports facilities.

“The staff have done an amazing job with the facilities that we have got here at the moment and if we can get to the new building the potential will be incredible.

“I would be disappointed if it didn’t go ahead as the school has outgrown it’s current environment.”

Mr Hunwick added: “What we are looking to do is work in partnership with our community and our neighbours in making sure things like parking and any traffic issues are worked through and there is a solution we can come to with them.”