CONTROVERSIAL plans for fencing outside a Haddington school have been given the go-ahead.
Haddington’s community council had reacted angrily to proposals for metal fencing, measuring 2.1 metres in height, around parts of Knox Academy Meadowpark.
Plans were first revealed last September and were labelled “horrendous, ugly, brutal, inhumane fencing” by a community councillor.
Those proposals were withdrawn, with amended plans approved by East Lothian Council last month.
That came after the community council failed to object to the revised planning application submitted by the local authority.
Chris McEwan, chairman of Haddington and District Community Council, highlighted that the local authority’s planning portal had been offline for a week but was unsure if the group’s planning liaison officer had submitted an objection in time.
East Lothian Council’s planning department did receive two letters regarding the proposals.
The planning officer’s report reads: “The objection is made on the grounds that the proposed ‘industrial’ type fencing, around a listed building, would not be in keeping with the conservation area and could impact on the mental wellbeing of, and the social development of, students attending the school by making them feel like they are imprisoned.”
David Barrett, from the community council, had felt the fencing was not in keeping with the area and said it would be more suitable at “Macmerry Industrial Estate to keep criminals out”.
He labelled the initial proposals “horrendous, ugly, brutal, inhumane fencing”.
READ MORE: Group slams ‘horrendous and inhumane’ school fence
Knox Academy Meadowpark, which is based within the former Haddington Infant School on Victoria Road, opened its doors to pupils in 2016.
It is used by youngsters with a range of additional support needs (ASN), and features classrooms, a soft play and outdoor space.
When the original proposals were withdrawn, a spokeswoman for the local authority said: “The fence is needed to prevent further unauthorised access and vandalism to the school site and at the same time provide a safe and secure environment for pupils.”
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