An independent consultative panel that offers advice to Merton Council on planning applications has this month asked for more information on a school in the borough earmarked for expansion to satisfy the pressure for additional school places.

The Design Review Panel, an independent panel of architects, along with respondents to the Dundonald School expansion consultations, has suggested that more work needs to be done to ensure all the different options for expanding Dundonald school have been fully explored.

As is normal in the planning process, the council will be undertaking this work and providing the necessary information before the planning application is heard.

In addition, Sport England has asked for further information on the use of the multi use games area. The council will be responding to Sport England in advance of the planning application being heard.

The application is expected to go to the Planning Committee in November this year.

Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Martin Whelton said: ‘We value all feedback on this important proposal and will look in detail at the suggestions from the panel and others, including residents, before we plan to submit the application to the planning committee in November. We are always keen to ensure we have looked at all options so that we get the right solution for Dundonald School and for the many families who hope to send their children to the school in the future.’

Cabinet Member for Environmental Sustainability and Regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge, said: “The huge increase in our school age population means that we are looking at every option for the expansion of Dundonald. We want our young people to enjoy well designed classrooms and play areas whilst ensuring local people benefit from investment in improved park facilities for sport and leisure, in addition to improved landscaping.”

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