The committee met to discuss significant developments regarding a proposed school relocation to a nearby site. The primary concern centers on the scale and impact of the project. While the committee recognizes that a smaller single-entry school might be acceptable, it has serious reservations about the proposed size of 420 pupils, which members feel would be excessive for the location. Traffic emerged as the principal worry—a concern that will likely resonate widely across the community. The committee notes that increased vehicle movements would affect not only Downshire Hill itself but also surrounding streets, and that the area has experienced tragic traffic fatalities in recent years. Given the tight timeline for registering formal objections at the planning stage, the committee is moving swiftly to ensure residents understand the issues at stake.
To keep the community informed and engaged, the committee has circulated a note to all residents outlining these concerns and inviting contributions toward a professional traffic survey. An extraordinary general meeting has been proposed to discuss the matter more broadly. The committee has also raised an important question about the school's proposed catchment area: whilst Downshire Hill would experience the inconveniences of being a neighbor to the school, under current proposals, only part of the street would fall within the admission criteria, meaning local families may not be able to access it. The committee believes the school should revise its admission policy to serve the entire street fairly.
The committee is working in close collaboration with other local groups, including the Heath & Hampstead Society, which shares concerns about the proposal. With planning submission expected soon, the association is focused on ensuring that residents' voices are heard and that all concerns are properly documented and presented during the formal objection period.