Campaigners fighting against a proposed secondary school in Harpenden’s Green Belt look set to be disappointed following an announcement today (Thursday) by county council, which appears to have settled on a controversial site.

Despite opposition from a vocal group in the town, Herts county council has again identified land north of Lower Luton Road, on the corner of Common Lane in Batford, as its preferred site for a new secondary school.

This follows an independent report by town planning consultants Vincent and Gorbing, which examined and compared nine potential sites.

The consultants’ recommendation will be discussed at the council’s enterprise, education and skills panel meeting next Friday (13).

Cllr Chris Hayward, cabinet member for education, urged parents and carers to support the Harpenden Secondary School Trust’s bid to the government to establish a new secondary school in the town, to serve Harpenden and surrounding communities.

He said that the council needed to cater for the rising demand in school places - there is currently a shortage.

After the panel has met, the council’s decision will be passed on to the Education Funding Agency to decide on the route it wishes to follow.

The Harpenden Secondary Education Trust comprises members from Roundwood Park, St George’s and Sir John Lawes Schools, along with Rothamsted Research and the University of Hertfordshire.

More information in this week’s Herts Advertiser.