New Development: 1200 Homes Rise While Promised School Remains Unbuilt

A new primary school in Thanington, Canterbury, initially scheduled to open last month, is now facing significant delays. Originally intended to emerge alongside two housing developments comprising 1,200 homes, the school’s completion may be pushed back by up to five years.

Thanington Primary School Details

The Thanington Primary School, designed to accommodate 420 students aged four to eleven along with a 26-place nursery, is part of a £10 million project. Located less than two miles from Canterbury city center, the school will feature a playing field, a multi-use games area, and dedicated parking and drop-off zones.

Delays and Community Impact

• Initial approval for the school came in December 2022.
• Construction was hoped to begin in 2023, with an opening date projected for September 2025.
• Kent County Council (KCC) has now stated that completion might not occur until 2028, with a potential opening in 2030.

This prolongation impacts local families, as many children are currently unable to attend nearby schools due to capacity issues. As stated by a local parent, Guy Maurice, many families are already sending their children to schools significantly farther away, citing a critical need for accessible education options.

Community Concerns

Community sentiment is growing increasingly frustrated, especially as housing developments like Saxon Fields and Cockering Farm continue to progress while essential infrastructure remains unaddressed. Maurice emphasized that the growing number of homes without concurrent development of schools, medical facilities, and transport links is unsustainable.

Developer’s Position

Pentland Homes, the developer behind the Saxon Fields estate, asserts they have met their obligations regarding funding for the new school as part of the Section 106 agreement. The company claims to have fulfilled its role while suggesting any questions about the construction delays should be directed to KCC.

Kent County Council’s Response

When approached regarding the delays and lack of communication, KCC did not provide specific reasons but affirmed that they are collaborating with the Department for Education (DfE). They acknowledged that the progression of the school project rests with them following the appointment of an academy trust to manage the school.

This situation highlights the pressing need for educational infrastructure to keep pace with rapidly increasing residential developments in the Thanington area. As local families await resolution, the hope for a new primary school becomes intertwined with broader community planning issues in Canterbury.