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Leicestershire County Council drops plans for new primary school in Loughborough
Overview
Leicestershire County Council has removed plans for a new 420-place primary school in south Loughborough following a review that projected falling pupil numbers and a surplus of school places over the next 15 years. The authority stated that existing local schools have sufficient capacity to meet expected demand, avoiding the need to spend approximately £14m on the new build. Local opposition was raised over potential travel and congestion impacts, while other new schools remain planned for developments to the north of the town and near Birstall.
Key points
- Leicestershire County Council dropped plans for a 420-place primary school previously proposed near Woodthorpe in south Loughborough.
- A council review concluded that primary pupil numbers in the area will fall from 2,875 to 2,035 by 2041-42.
- Officials calculated there will be a surplus of 590 primary places in the area within four years.
- The school was estimated to cost about £14m, though no funding had been formally committed.
- Labour councillor Beverley Gray expressed deep concern, warning that children from new housing might face longer journeys and increase traffic congestion.
- Separate new schools are still scheduled to open in September 2027 for the Garendon Park and Broadnook developments.