Traffic, parking and safety concerns have been voiced over plans to house extra Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facilities at a former Isle of Wight school site.
Pan and Barton ward councillor Martin Bower has written to planners on the back of County Hall’s proposal for a link building and associated external works at the old Barton Primary School on Green Street in Newport.
36 extra places from September 2027
An expansion of places at the town’s Medina House School from 168 to 204 was given the go-ahead by the children’s services, education and skills committee on 2nd July 2026.
The council plans to site this extra provision at the former primary from September 2027, an approach it says will make effective use of existing educational infrastructure.
Councillor’s construction concerns
Councillor Bower said he would support the intention to provide 36 additional SEND placements at Medina school – extra provision which he stated is “badly needed” on the Island.
However, the Reform UK representative added,
“There is considerable concern regarding increased traffic flows when the proposed development is up and running.
“My main concern is that there has been no consideration of increased traffic from construction vehicles attending the site and also deliveries of materials.
“I have assumed that the school is likely to remain open during construction which will critically increase parking which is already oversubscribed and safety concerns along Green Street.”
Councillor Bower also expressed disquiet over noise during construction.
Residents object
Jill Lessiter, a Green Street resident objecting to the plans, said any increase in vehicles or pedestrians would be “catastrophic” and lead to an inevitable bottle neck at the junction with Robin Hood Street.
“Traffic chaos” would ensue, she added.
Another local objecting, John Leman, cited “legitimate concerns” about the ability of Green Street and the surrounding area to accommodate further development without worsening existing traffic, parking, pedestrian safety and residential amenity problems.
Highways and council response
Island Roads said it has no objection to the proposal, subject to highway safety conditions being imposed.
Senior officer Jade Kennett previously said the additional capacity will help ensure more children with complex needs can access appropriate education closer to home, reducing reliance on costly off-Island placements and supporting better outcomes for children and families.
The expansion will provide modern, purpose-designed accommodation capable of meeting complicated educational, sensory and behavioural needs both now and in the future, she told planners.
Decision due in November
An Isle of Wight Council public consultation on application 26/01133/FUL ended on 9th October and a decision is due by 4th November 2026.
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
