Bracknell school forest education expansion plan scuppered

Crown Wood Primary School in Opladen Way was hoping to fence off nearby land to create a ‘Forest School’, which are used to help pupils learn about natural environments. 

Classes in forests include using equipment such as saws, tree climbing and making fires in a safe environment.

The primary already has a Forest School on the site, applying to expand the area used and securing it by installing a two metre boundary fence.

But its plan is likely to be rejected due to concerns about the wildlife, restricted access and forest fires.

These were raised at a Bracknell Forest Council planning committee meeting.

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Speaking at the meeting, David Bennett of the Queens Pine Action Group said: “The risk of fire spreading above ground under the roots has given residents grave concern for danger to their properties, our lives, wildlife and the surrounding community.

“The residents, including our children, benefit from the biodiversity of the untouched woodland.

“Loss of this wildlife that visits our gardens from the woodland makes us extremely sad.

“The damage that will happen to the woodland with the installation of new fences, tree removal, crowning and clearance for the fences will cause significant damage to the ecosystem.”

The fire pit at the 'Forest School' Crown Wood Primary School in Bracknell runs. Credit: Bracknell Forest Council

Planning officer Katie Andrews had recommended the application for approval, arguing that fencing would not result in the loss of existing open space or significantly impact neighbours.

In defence of the school, councillor Dale Birch (Conservative, Little Sandhurst) said: “There is an existing facility there, and it has been run very effectively.

“How do I know that? The evidence I’ve been presented says there have been no complaints about the level of impact up until now when the request is to expand the use of what I believe is an excellent idea and an excellent learning opportunity for young people.”

However, a motion to approve was rejected by the planning committee on December 16.

Cllr Colin Dudley (Conservative, Crown Wood), committee chairman said: “This is a step too far, it’s doubling or trebling the space that is being used, I think it is unneighbourly, I think it will cause a noise problem.”

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But the plan has not been officially refused yet, as planning reasons for the refusal have not been laid out.

A final decision will likely be made at the next planning committee meeting.

Cllr Dudley explained: “The application has been refused. What we need to do is set out planning reasons for its refusal, so an alternative motion can be put to this committee.”

You can view the application and public comments by typing reference 21/00978/FUL  into the council’s planning portal.