‘Under-utilised space’ at an Isle of Wight sixth form college, in the centre of Newport, could be turned into parking.
Part of the former playground of Node Hill Middle School — now the Island VI Form — could be used to help solve a parking problem for the college.
Parking difficulties
With Isle of Wight Education Federation staff coming from other campuses and with different timetables, it is sometimes hard to find parking spaces, SJC Planning says in documents submitted to the Isle of Wight council.
The proposals could improve parking facilities, installing five disabled spaces and electric vehicle charging points, ‘to prepare for the future’, and a second staff parking area.
Former playground offered up for parking space
The work would see the former playground offered up for parking space as it is said as the students are older than those previously taught on the site, there is no longer a need to provide the same level of recreational space.
As there is no possibility of the facility expanding due to land constraints, the playground can be reduced in size and used for something else.
Expanded entrance/exit
The entrance and exit onto Medina Avenue would be expanded, demolishing some of the brick wall and fencing, improving the visibility.
An area has been left between the car park and the building to allow separation so the parking does not detract from the historic built form of the school.
Sports England made no comment to the Isle of Wight council on the loss of the playground.
Protecting pedestrians
Marked parking bays and pedestrian walkways would be defined in the car parks to allow for safe movement.
The brick and stone wall between the staff and student parking area is in need of repair and would be done as sympathetically as possible due to the listed nature of the building and the conservation area it sits in.
Island Roads has made no objection to the plans, subject to relevant conditions.
View the plans
View the plans, 23/00643/FUL, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 14th July.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
