Plans to build a 420-place free school in Norbiton were approved last night as councillors looked to address Kingston’s “absolute and imperative need” to build schools in the borough.

Surrey Comet:

How Kingston Community School will look when construction is complete

A planning application was presented to the Development Control Committee at the Guildhall so that Kingston Community School, which opened its doors in September 2015, could move to a permanent site in Coombe Road.

Councillors approved the plans, which involve the demolition of office block Kingstons House and the building of a six storey building, sports hall and 19 flats, by six votes to five.

Monday, February 1, 2016: Plans to build 420-place free school in Norbiton for Kingston Community School rejected

Mary Elcock, acting Headteacher at Kingston Community School, said: “It’s been a nervous few months for the families of our school, but we are pleased and relieved that our planning permission has now gone through.

“This school will be a great asset for the community for generations to come.”

Kingston Community School was one of two free-schools to open in the borough last year – taking on less than 60 pupils at its temporary site at a former NHS clinic in Acre Road.

Cllr Andrea Craig, cabinet member for education, urged the committee to approve the application due to the “absolute and imperative need” of building the school, saying that 45 children would be without a school-place if Kingston Community School had not opened last year.

She said: “It’s important for you all to know that if this application is rejected for the second time, the school’s future will be put in jeopardy.

“Parents in this area of Kingston want a local school.”

A planning application was first presented to Kingston Council in January, but was branded “totally inappropriate” by councillors due to its mass and scale.

Concerns were raised about the lack of disabled parking, health and safety, traffic through Station Road and noise pollution.

The updated plans include an agreement with a nearby ASDA supermarket to use its car park for a Park and Stride scheme to “discourage parents from parking on the local streets”.

Cobham Road resident Carmelina Critcher said: “This is a rushed ill-conceived scheme - some residents have complained they have not been consulted.

“The school cannot dictate where parents will park and it’s unlikely they will use the park and stride scheme at ASDA. There is no safe place nearby for almost 500 pupils to line up for an emergency situation.”

Cllr Hugh Scantlebury, who opposed the plans, said: “I don’t believe anything is different in this application.

“I’m disappointed that we don’t have the quantity of analysis on air quality in the area. If one of those kids got asthma, whose fault is that?”

Cllr Geoff Austin said: “Wherever you put a school there is going to be pollution because Kingston is a polluted borough. It’s a no-win situation, I feel for them.”

Kingston Community School is funded by the Education Funding Agency and run by Christian organisation Chapel Street.

Kingston and Surbiton MP James Berry, who submitted a letter to the committee in support of the application, said: “I understand that there were concerns with the design, but this is a much needed new primary school for Norbiton.

“I’ve visited Kingston Community School in its temporary location and was thoroughly impressed with the teaching.”