NFDC rejects bid to register Pennington Infant School as an asset of community value

AN APPLICATION to register an infant school building in Lymington as a community asset was rejected for “flimsy” reasons, it has been claimed.

Town councillors were told their application to register Pennington Infant School as an asset of community value was thrown out by the district council.

They were told: “In the opinion of the local authority, whilst the actual current use of the property does further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community, it is not realistic to think that there can be non-ancillary use of the building or other land which will further, whether or not in the same way, the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community.

“It therefore does not meet the criteria set out in the Localism Act 2011 and so is not eligible for listing.”

As reported by the A&T in February, plans to merge the infant school with its neighbouring Church of England junior school, amid dwindling pupil numbers at both, were welcomed both by teachers and governors.

At a recent full meeting of the town council, Lymington ward councillor Barry Dunning said the infant school building is being considered as a centre for pupils with special educational needs.

He added: “Let’s hope that does happen. I believe the building is a great asset to the community.

“[Hampshire County Council’s] education department want a SEND school, but the finance department is not sure on that.”

Pennington ward councillor Martina Humber said the school building is currently used by the local conservative Anchor church, which she noted “does not believe in women vicars or same sex marriage”.

Mayor Jack Davies, chairing the meeting, said he felt the district council’s rejection of the community asset application was “flimsy” and that he would “check the legal veracity” of the rejection.