A new secondary school serving the WD3 area has been ordered to resubmit an improved travel plan within six weeks.

At Three Rivers District Council's planning committee meeting last night (August 15) councillors decided a travel plan needed to be re-submitted.

The original was criticised by officers and Hertfordshire Highways - although this objection was withdrawn just hours before the meeting.

The Reach Free School is permitted to open for one academic year from September but must secure permission from the council to continue in the Tolpits Lane site beyond that.

The committee heard a passionate plea to allow the change of use from chair of governors Carol Venn, who said: "Whether you agree with the policy of free schools or not Hertfordshire County Council has made it clear if we wanted a new school we would have to open one ourselves.

"Without The Reach Free School there would be no prospect of a new school here for at least three years.

"Everything is on track to welcome our first pupils in three weeks time.

"It is an amazingly exciting time and pupils are thrilled to be starting in September.

"This is a real success story for the people of Rickmansworth.

"Consider the future and the children, there is no plan b."

Councillors voiced disappointment that travel issues had not been satisfactorily addressed before the meeting.

Councillor Paula Hiscocks said: "I am bitterly disappointed this hasn't been sorted out months ago.

Planning committee chairman Councillor Chris Whately-Smith said: "This is very serious, we do need to make sure the safety of the children is met.

"If it isn't and something happens I wouldn't like to be in the chairman of governor's shoes."

Councillors asked school bosses to consider expanding cycle storage facilities and encouraging staff and students to make use of the Ebury Way.

Currently 88 per cent of the 120 Year 7 pupils starting at the school in September.