MASSIVE development planned in Petersfield could result in a serious shortage of places at the townÕs schools, town councillors warned this week.

They are concerned that the 276 homes which are being proposed by developers Bryant Homes at Ramshill could mean around 400 more children looking for places in Petersfield schools, where there are already very few vacant places.

Members of the councilÕs planning committee heard that planners were negotiating a deal with the developers for financial contributions to cater for the situation.

Julia Mansi told town councillors the catchment school for the development off Kingsfernsden Lane was Sheet School, which was not capable of expansion to meet the growing needs.

She said it might be better to look at providing cash for work currently planned at Petersfield Infant School.

But the chairman of the planning committee, George Watkinson, pointed out that the work at the school was to replace facilities, not to extend them.

He expressed doubt that local schools could cope with large numbers of children wanting school places, without a great deal of travelling.

John Crowhurst told the meeting that 30 new homes in Paddock Way had generated around 80 children for Petersfield schools.

ÒAt Ramshill we are looking at 276 houses. Are we going to get more than 400 children? This is a very serious situation,Ó he told councillors.

Town councillors decided to write to the county council voicing their anxiety about the pressure on Petersfield schools from the high increase in children which could be generated by the new housing development.

They said they doubted that there were enough spaces currently available for the new children and wanted an assurance that the matter was being addressed by county councillors.

After the meeting Mr Crowhurst told The Herald he believed it was crucial for the county council to build a junior school on The Causeway. He said the latest review of the local plan earmarked land on The Causeway for the development of a new primary school to cater for the large number of new homes which would be built in the town over the next 20 years.

Mrs Mansi told councillors that a mix of houses was planned by Bryant Homes, comprising 20 one-bedroom and 39 two-bedroomed flats with 62 two-bed, l06 three-bed and 49 four-bedroomed houses.

She said 81 of the homes would be affordable homes.

She told councillors an average of 1.5 car parking spaces was planned for each home. A village green was planned in the centre of the site and a kickabout area in a field at the top corner of the site.

The homes on the farthest edge of Petersfield were designed to have a rural feel and at the other end, close to existing homes, there was more of an urban design.

Negotiations were being carried out for a shopper-hopper bus through the site, financial contributions to cycleways and for an off-site bottle recycling centre.

Petersfield town councillors gave a cautious welcome to the plans, saying they liked the layout and the design and mix of homes, but they highlighted their concerns over the pressure on schools.

They were also concerned about the lack of lighting and the safety for users of the narrow Skinners Lane and the lack of on-site recycling facilities.

They wanted to be assured about the standard of childrenÕs play equipment in the open space and who would maintain the equipment and the verges.

Mr Crowhurst said he would like to see a corner shop incorporated on the site.