COUNCILLORS have unanimously rejected plans to allow pedestrian and cycle access to the new St Andrews College from Humberston Road – to the delight of local residents.

North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee made the decision after hearing from concerned Ashridge Drive residents, who feared their quiet, private street would become a "drop-off" area for parents.

The homeowners said they were also worried they would be left to foot the bill for increased maintenance costs for the road, as it has not been adopted by the council.

Councillors also raised concerns about the safety of pupils leaving the site near such a major road.

St Andrew's College – based on the former Matthew Humberstone Upper School site – is scheduled to be officially opened on September 1, just days before the 814 students' first day on September 3.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Michael Burnett (Lab) Croft Baker, said the plans were "inappropriate", adding that another location that would "minimise the impact on residents" should be considered.

He said: "Every councillor in this room has a problem in their ward with parents parking outside schools in residential areas.

"St Andrews is a new school and we need to do things differently."

Councillor Peter Barker (Ind) West Marsh said: "From these plans it is clear that residents would be inconvenienced."

News of the committee's decision has been met with delight by Ashridge Drive residents, who feel as though they have "won the fight".

Resident David Reed, said: "We are delighted with the news that planning permission for the new entrance has been refused.

"This is our private road and we pay to maintain it.

"If the new entrance had been built, it was obvious parents would be parking here and using our road to drop off their kids."

Neighbour Neville Armstrong, said: "I'm glad the plans have been rejected. They were just not feasible."

Plans for onsite modifications such as the erection of a new canopy on one of the school's buildings and the laying of new pathways, were approved, to the delight of principal Peter Cantley.

He said: "We have been advised that if we take our case for planning permission to appeal, permission would almost certainly be granted. We will pursue this further in the autumn term."