1st September 2010

WEYMOUTH: School site soil pollution concerns

by Paul Cromtpon

LONG-TERM health problems from industrial waste could affect children on Portland if planners give the nod for a primary school to built on polluted land.

Contaminated land was one of the concerns raised over the building of a proposed 315 place primary school and 26 place nursery on the site of the old Mere Tank Farm, Castle Road, Osprey Quay.

Councillor Dominic Lonsdale called for a thorough review of the land and proper checks to be conducted before the proposed project by Dorset County Council is rubber-stamped.

The concern was one of many, including increased traffic at the site, highlighted during Weymouth and Portland Council planning and highways committee.

Councillor Lonsdale said: “The proposal is to build a primary school on an industrial waste site. In 20 years time we don’t want to be discussing the high rate of illness amongst ex-pupils because of the contaminated land.

“We are going to have to be over-exhaustive in our checks to make sure the land is not contaminated.”

Councillor David Hawkins said: “In general, as a Portland councillor I think it’s a good thing, a good development.

“But if there is site pollution I wonder if this has been underestimated. Remember there were underground pipes from the tank, what if they leaked or were damaged through the geology of the area. The leaking will go into the properties.”

A planning application has been lodged for a single story school on the 1.49 hectare site next to Officers Field, which the school would also use for curriculum activities for around 15 hours per week.

Councillors also raised concerns over the volume of traffic potentially generated by the school, which would have an open policy allowing parents to enroll their children from various areas of the borough.

Councillor Christine James asked if a bus could be introduced to combat the problem of parents dropping off and picking up children, which is plaguing other schools in the area.

“Is there not a potential for a school bus? Where will they be coming from?” Councillor James asked, adding: “We are supposed to be encouraging childrento be more free and responsible. I do have a few concerns about how they will get to and fro from school.”

Another concern, highlighted by Councillor Kate Wheller was the issue of safety on the field and who would take responsibility for the playing field.

“I like the concept of shared playing areas, it’s really, really nice but in reality, from experience, what will happen when it is used out of school hours? Will the school have to pick up glass and needles when the children go to play on it,” Councillor Wheller said.

A report on ground contamination is being considered by the Environmental Health Authority to determine if further works or conditional requirements are required given its former use.

A report given to councillors stated there were a “few areas of contaminated soil” but no remedial action was required as the site was not to be used for growing plants for human consumption.

PICTURE: A computer generated image of how the proposed school on the old Mere Tank Farm would look

WEYMOUTH: School site soil pollution concerns

WEYMOUTH: School site soil pollution concerns

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