Plans for a new housing development adjacent to Charborough Road Primary School have prompted road safety and safeguarding concerns from parents and local residents, while developers and South Gloucestershire Council say child wellbeing has been central to the design process.
The proposed scheme would see 36 new homes built on land formerly used as the school’s playing field. The development includes two apartment blocks, a mix of two- and three-storey houses, and 62 parking spaces.
The application is being brought forward by Aequus Developments Ltd, a council-owned company established to deliver housing on selected South Gloucestershire Council sites.
A group of around 50 residents and parents has raised objections, warning that the plans could increase traffic risks outside the school. Campaigners say children would need to cross a busy crossover junction without pavements, located close to the school entrance, at peak drop-off and pick-up times.
Charborough Road Primary School serves nearly 300 nursery and primary-age pupils, including children with speech, language and communication needs. A spokesperson for the residents’ group said the council had cited safeguarding as a reason for disposing of the playing field, but argued the development would lead to increased vehicle movements directly beside the school gate.
They also pointed to South Gloucestershire Council’s own guidance on congestion around schools, which highlights risks such as unlawful parking, collisions and road rage during school run hours. The group referenced Department for Transport figures cited in council “School Street” literature, which show that a significant proportion of child road fatalities occur during typical school travel times.
Concerns were previously raised by the late Dave Baker, former chief executive of the Olympus Academy Trust, which runs the school. He also sought assurances around screening to prevent the playground area being overlooked by nearby properties.
In response, Aequus Developments Ltd said safeguarding and child wellbeing had been a key consideration throughout the planning process.
They added that feedback from the council, statutory consultees, the Olympus Academy Trust and local residents had informed further assessments and design changes. Updated plans and supporting documents are available on the South Gloucestershire Council planning portal, and Aequus said it remains committed to working constructively with stakeholders as the planning process continues.
Filton’s ward councillors Alex Doyle and Adam Monk added: “We have been listening to residents and other stakeholders and will continue to hold developers to account where appropriate. We will look to call in this development so that it gets necessary attention from elected members at committee.”
Meanwhile, residents have launched an independent website, www.saveourschoolplayingfield.com, to share updates and information about the application. The group has stressed that the site is not affiliated with the school