Residents in Underhill are being urged to submit their comments to the consultation on the planning application for a new Ark Academy school at the Underhill Stadium site.

The plans for the school have caused controversy and concern amongst residents living near the Underhill Stadium site, many of whom are worried about the size and scale of the proposed all-through school which will cater for up to 1,680 pupils at full capacity, and the parking and traffic problems it will cause.

Local Labour councillor for Underhill, Paul Edwards, had asked the Council for the number of streets included in the formal consultation to be increased and the deadline to be extended after hearing that residents in The Linkway and Western Way had not received a letter about the planning application, but this request was refused.

The official deadline for making comments on the planning application is before the 21 October, although local councillors have been advised by planning officers that “the deadline is not a prescriptive deadline and all comments received after this date will still be recorded and will be given due consideration in the application process.”

Labour councillors organised a public meeting on 5 September to enable residents to hear about the plans and raise their concerns direct with Ark and council officers – around 150 people attended.

Cllr Paul Edwards said: “There was considerable anger from residents about this development at our public meeting not least because of the current grid lock at the junction of Great North Road, Underhill and Fairfield Way.

“This is the only vehicular entrance and exit for residents living in The Linkway and Western Way, and yet the Conservative council has not written to them to let them know that the planning application has been lodged and they can comment on it.

“I urge residents to get their comments in to the Council as soon as possible.”