Plans have been submitted for the construction of a new school in Mill End.

The Reach Free School, in Rickmansworth, submitted the proposals to build a new school on the corner of Long Lane and Uxbridge Road, on July 20.

When the school opened in 2013, it was only going to be based at its temporary site in Tolpits Lane for three years.

With a shortage of school places across Rickmansworth, Mill End and Maple Cross, there has been pressure to submit the proposal.

The school, that has less than 300 pupils, is currently oversubscribed for September 2016.

The new building will allow for 840 pupil places.

However, Three Rivers District Borough councillor Roger Seabourne, representative for Penn and Mill End, has said the site is “far from ideal”.

He said: “This isn’t the best location for a school, I personally think there are other sites that would have been better suited.

“The school is close to a busy road and because of that there are risks and dangers.

“In terms of transport and access there are also problems. The site can only be accessed by one entrance – it’s a busy area that already has traffic and I think this will add to those problems.

“That being said, the community desperately needs a school and I’m glad the plans have finally been submitted. This has been going on a very long time.”

Plans include a roundabout to the east of the site which will be the main access point to the school.

Cllr Seabourne said: “I know residents are upset about losing open space to make way for a school and I think it’s wrong to lose even more for a roundabout.

“I know some residents will be unhappy about that but there isn’t much we can do now.”

Plans for the 6,527 sq m site include a two-storey academic building, a sports hall and playing fields.

Before the plans were submitted, the school distributed feedback forms at a public exhibition on May 19 and May 21.

Of the 127 people who returned the forms, 80% supported the plans.

However, concerns were raised about increased traffic and the impact the school could having on parking in nearby streets.

Worries were also expressed about the potential effect on wildlife and pollution and the fact it is on green belt land.

Terry Douris, Hertfordshire County Council cabinet member for highways, said: “Hertfordshire County Council is engaged in discussions with transport consultants about any traffic issues which may result from the building of the new school.

"We recognise that there are difficulties and will continue to study and advise on the impact of the proposals on the local highway network.

"As the Highway Authority we will then make a formal response to any future consultation by the local planning authority.”

JLL Planning, the developers who submitted the plans on behalf of the Reach Free School, were contacted for a comment but had not responded before the paper went to press.