Plans to relocate and expand a school for children with severe learning difficulties are set to progress - but the idea isn't being universally supported.
Hertfordshire County Council is looking to move Breakspeare School in Abbots Langley to Croxley Green increasing the number of places from 97 to 210.
The council has eyed up the former Durrants School playing field in Manor Way because the Abbots Langley site "does not have enough space" to expand with new special school places "urgently required" to meet the demand for children aged two to 19.
The proposal has been out for public consultation but it has not received wide support.
The council's education, libraries and lifelong learning cabinet panel were told on Wednesday that 91 people out of 249 who responded were in favour of the plan. There were 110 who "disagreed" while 48 were undecided.
Of the 158 respondents who either disagreed with the proposal or said they did not know, 77 per cent were residents who live close to the current and proposed school sites. In particular, for Croxley Green, traffic and parking were raised as issues while Abbots Langley locals fear potential redevelopment of the Breakspeare site.
Croxley Green county councillor Chris Lloyd, who is a governor at nearby Little Green Junior School, said there was a "definite need" for the school places but he did highlight some local concerns about traffic. He said Little Green would want to discuss with the county council how traffic could be managed to keep children going to both schools safe.
There were also concerns staff may not be able to travel to the new site – and that the additional 113 places may not be enough, with some suggesting the use of both sites going forward.
Those backing the plans pointed to the need for additional places and the benefits of purpose-built accommodation.
Despite receiving objections, the panel agreed to press ahead with the plan and the council's Cabinet will decide later this month whether or not to publish a statutory notice to relocate the school from January 2024.
Any relocation will be subject to planning permission which will be the responsibility of the county council rather than Three Rivers District Council.
Related: More funding set to be secured for proposal to relocate special school
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