Developer 'ignoring' pleas for low-cost land

PARENTS hoping to set up a much-needed community school say their efforts could be thwarted by "shortsighted" developers.

Mums and dads from Kings Hill took matters into their own hands when it emerged The Discovery School, in Discovery Drive, had to take on 30 extra children a year.

But despite hours of volunteering and a race against time to send off a Government grant application for funds to create a new community school, they say all their hard work could go to waste.

Angela Vincent, from Niagara Close, is a member of the steering group for the proposed King's Christian School.

In order for the application to be successful, the group needs Liberty Property Trust to offer it low-cost land, but Mrs Vincent said the developer had failed to respond.

"They can't keep cramming children into the Discovery School endlessly," Mrs Vincent explained.

"We have all put so much effort in to get this off the ground. Time is of the essence, as we are waiting to find out if we have been accepted for an interview and could hear any time.

"We have to demonstrate that the community school is low-cost to get the Government grant. There is no appeal process so if it is refused, it is an opportunity lost.

"We are giving our time for free and really buying in to the community concept but, without support from Liberty or Kent County Council, we will not be successful.

"Liberty is being very shortsighted. People are already saying they don't want to move to Kings Hill because they have heard about the school problem and the developers are planning on building 250 more houses. Those children need schools."

Such is the enthusiasm for the project that King's Christian School has 29 children registered for 2013, 15 for 2014 and four for 2015.

The steering group has found a building – the old University of Greenwich site in Alexandra Grove – and a potential curriculum is taking shape.

Andrew Blevins, managing director of Liberty, said: "We have been helping Kent Free Schools Limited with information to assist its application for funding from the Department for Education to establish a free school at Kings Hill."

For more information, visit www.thekingschristianschool.co.uk or call Angela Vincent on 01732 522513.