Neighbours fight plans for school extension

by Gemma Collins NEIGHBOURS who are fighting plans to extend an East End school say pupils are imposing on their living standards. Around 60 residents, who live in Walte

by Gemma Collins

NEIGHBOURS who are fighting plans to extend an East End school say pupils are "imposing" on their living standards.

Around 60 residents, who live in Walter Terrace in Stepney, at the back of St John Cass Foundation & Redcoat School, have signed a petition to halt plans for a five-storey classroom extension opposite their homes.

The proposals are part of Tower Hamlets council's Building Schools for the Future programme and also include a two-storey extension on the front of the school in Stepney Way for a new main entrance, virtual learning centre and a performing arts facility.

But neighbours fear the extension will overlook their homes in Burley House and cut off their sunlight as well as cause even more students and teachers to park on the narrow Walter Terrace.

Neighbour Rita Agius said: "We are going to be living like we are in a prison.

"We have no privacy in our bedroom and when they build the new building we will have even less privacy so we will have to keep our curtains closed."

But Tower Hamlets council, the authority in charge of the school, insist the new extension will not lead to a rise in the number of pupils, nor affect parking and will "provide an exciting and flexible facility for both students and the local community".