Renfrewshire councillors asked to approve new Dargavel school plan despite serious concerns

Renfrewshire councillors will this week be asked to progress plans for a new Dargavel primary school despite 39 per cent of locals raising significant concerns about the proposed location.

They are being asked to rubber stamp work to procure, design and build the new 800-pupil primary school for August 2027 at the north end of Craigton Drive and its proposed catchment area.

But 39 per cent of the 800 Dargavel residents surveyed on the new school say it’s in the wrong location, will create travel chaos and offers a missed opportunity to add secondary school provision within a joint campus.

Reference to high school provision or to a shared primary/secondary campus within the Bishopton development was in fact mentioned by 36 per cent of all those who took part in the consultation.

In a statement prepared by Renfrewshire Council for Dargavel families, the local authority said it recognised the proposed location for a second primary school had “divided opinion”.

It read: “The consultation has provided us with a more informed understanding of the strength and range of – often contradictory – views within the community.

“Ultimately, the choice of site for the new primary school has divided opinion, with no clear majority either way.

“The feedback was considered carefully and the recommendation going before councillors reflects what officers believe is the best way forward, but which takes account of and seeks to mitigate, the valid concerns and issues many of you have raised.

“If the new school is to be progressed on the proposed site, we appreciate how important it is we continue to engage the community on the key issues such as traffic and transport, school design, wider community needs, and more.”

Other recommendations included in the report seek to address issues raised by locals in both the medium and longer term.

Long-standing issues around traffic management at the current Dargavel Primary on Arrochar Drive will be addressed with the creation of a new drop-off and pick-up area on land next to the school.

Officers also suggest that the creation of the new school will reduce traffic through the development as the catchment area will ensure all children will have a 15-minute or less walk to school.

The community will also, according to recommendations made in the report, be included in the design of the new school and associated safe walking routes.

Another proposal in the report suggests the school will be used for wider community benefit such as providing sport facilities and spaces for community gatherings and wider learning.

The report and recommendations will be considered by members of the Renfrewshire Council education committee on Thursday.

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