Lack of strategic planning concerns Harnham Neighbourhood Council (HNC).
We believe the existing A3094 is at capacity and measures to increase traffic flow are promisory and unreal without major infrastructure investment. Closing New Bridge Harnham (repair) to two lanes resulted in tailbacks of three miles to Alderbury.
A third lane and bridgeworks would not be funded. I was told at the recent Future for Salisbury public consultation, no affordable ideas for improving Southampton Road would work. There is no major funding in sight to resolve the Salisbury traffic problem but perhaps John Glen knows something we do not.
An observation is that the one sweetener to massive housing proposals is a new primary school. HNC do not support the idea of a new primary school in West Harnham. The need is for a school in East Harnham.
Examination of pupil numbers generated by 640 dwellings Ignores the fact that the expensive houses on this prime site will generate many children going to the private school sector, then on to grammar /private schools. If only 20% do so, and using Education Department figures, the preferred 210-pupil single form of entry for a primary school will fall at least 25% short.
Longford School in East Harnham could be expanded and has the land. The inspector was advised Harnham School was at capacity (by council officers).HNC is advised by a governor it is not at capacity. Following an FOE request, it was discovered 150 pupils came at peak traffic time from East Harnham and Eastern villages.
The new Netherhampton School could be used as a trojan horse for even more development in Harnham. HNC believes Harnham is best served by a re-balancing of education provision South of the river and an expanded/relocated Longford School.
Failure to do so will further imperil the future of the school whose numbers, we believe, are below 50. Were the house numbers reduced, Harnham junior and primary school could cope.
It is also affordable and council-controlled rented housing that is needed. The pupil shortfall will be made up by further house building on the Netherhampton site, devouring Netherhampton village.
Education driving infrastructure cannot deliver sustainable development and Longford School is more likely to be closed on viability grounds.
Gregor Condliffe
Vice Chairman – Harnham Neighbourhood Council