‘Under-utilised space’ at an Isle of Wight Sixth Form college, in the centre of Newport, could be turned into parking.
Part of the former playground of Nodehill Middle School — now the Island VI Form — could be used to help solve a parking problem for the college.
With Isle of Wight Education Federation staff coming from other campuses and with different timetables, it is sometimes hard to find parking spaces, SJC Planning says in documents submitted to the Isle of Wight Council.
The proposals could improve parking facilities, installing 5 disabled spaces and electric vehicle charging points, ‘to prepare for the future’, and a 2nd staff parking area. The work would see the former playground offered up for parking space as it is said as the students are older than those previously taught on the site, there is no longer a need to provide the same level of recreational space.
As there is no possibility of the facility expanding due to land constraints, the playground can be reduced in size and used for something else. The entrance and exit onto Medina Avenue would be expanded, demolishing some of the brick wall and fencing, improving the visibility.
An area has been left between the car park and the building to allow separation so the parking does not detract from the historic built form of the school.
Sports England made no comment to the Isle of Wight Council on the loss of the playground.
Marked parking bays and pedestrian walkways would be defined in the car parks to allow for safe movement. The brick and stone wall between the staff and student parking area is in need of repair and would be done as sympathetically as possible due to the listed nature of the building and the conservation area it sits in.
Island Roads has made no objection to the plans, subject to relevant conditions.
View the plans, 23/00643/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 14th July.
Can’t see that entering and exiting onto Medina Avenue is a very well thought out idea, especially if turning right.
Having the car park entrance and exit right next to the entrance to Church Litten isn’t great either.
Should be encouraging staff to use public transport in order to set a good green example to pupils.
The unused space could be used by students to grow food.
Your name says it all, your a moron, keep your stupid ideas to your self
As could the unused space in your head.