Scheduled to open in the 2020/21 academic year, Bullers Wood School for Boys will meet the evidenced and significant need for school places in the London Borough, close to an all-girls school.

DHA Planning and DHA Transport worked closely with the project team to develop a scheme with upgraded pedestrian footway and crossings, including increased levels of on-site parent drop-off. This addressed concerns arising from an earlier planning application for the six forms of entry for the 900-pupil school.

Despite this and an initial resolution to grant permission, the second application was refused at Committee and taken to appeal via a Public Inquiry.

DHA gave expert planning and, crucially, highways evidence to the Inspector, which included a comprehensive suite of junction modelling and access design work to ensure a safe pedestrian environment was created. These designs were recognised and supported by the Inspector who allowed the appeal subject to conditions.

Commenting on the planning success, Matthew Blythin, Director at DHA, said: “This was a challenging application, but detailed transport evidence provided by our Transport team and strong planning arguments, backed up by significant local support, carried the day.”