A proposal is being drawn up by Surrey County Council to expand and relocate high-performing Warlingham Village Primary School to create 210 more school places.

The school, which has an Ofsted “outstanding” rating, would be rebuilt nearby at Greenacres on the Limpsfield Road at a reduced cost to tax payers, under plans to help meet growing demand for school places in the Warlingham area. Greenacres is identified in Tandridge District Council’s Draft Local Plan as a potential site for development. However, as the Local Plan is only at draft stage, any planning application for a school on the site would need to demonstrate very special circumstances as it is on Green Belt land.

This proposal, being drawn up in conjunction with local developer Asprey Homes, would also involve providing new homes near the planned new school, which would help fund the school development. The school’s existing site would be retained by the County Council, which would work with Tandridge District Council to ascertain the best use of it for the local area.

Mary Lewis, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Thousands more school places will be needed across Surrey over the coming years to meet demand from a growing population and this proposal offers the potential to help us create the places we need in Warlingham. The plans are at an early stage, but could mean a brand new school with plenty of outside space for Warlingham Village Primary pupils, enabling more children to go there - all at significantly reduced cost to Surrey taxpayers.”

Stuart Mitchenall, chair of the school strategy board for Warlingham Village School, said: "The governors of the school and representatives from the GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust are in dialogue with officers from Surrey County Council regarding the additional demand for places in the Tandridge area. We are keen to explore the options available and would ensure any solution maintains the quality of provision we currently offer at Warlingham Village. We place a high value on the role our school plays within the local village community and are committed to retaining this. We would aim to work together to ensure the enhanced facilities retain the existing advantages the school offers."

Local Parish Councillor for Warlingham East and Tandridge District Councillor for Warlingham East and Chelsham & Farleigh, Jeremy Pursehouse, said:  “I can understand why those protesting at the move would do so. The communication from Surrey County Council on this scheme has been nothing short of pathetic. The residents of Warlingham have been bounced by this plan. I can also understand their affection for the building and I would like to see it preserved in some way. However, while there are still a lot more details to be revealed and agreed, I have to say that I support the plan in principle. If we must lose Green Belt land, I would rather it went to a new school building than anything else. The existing school is too small and badly laid out for modern needs and has no adjacent playing fields. The new school will provide places for more Warlingham children. My heart is with the protesters, but my head supports the move.” 

A planning application is expected to be made to Tandridge District Council later this year. There would need to be a public consultation and approval from the Secretary of State for Education before any move to expand or relocate the school could go ahead.