Children are “missing out” and parents are being “let down” over continued delays to plans to expand a Kenilworth primary school.

That is according to a local councillor who has continued to call for answers on the £6 million redevelopment at St John's Primary School and Nursery.

Due to be finished last year, the project will eventually allow 200 extra spaces at St John’s which would become two-form entry. 

It would also include space for up to 14 places for children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) who can be catered for in a mainstream school.

But with designs yet to be signed off and the completion date now pushed back to September 2027, Cllr Richard Dickson has once again called for an explanation

“At £6 million and already overdue by eight months in May of this year, it seems reasonable for parents with children with SEMH needs to have expected this project to be at the top of the new administration's in-tray,” he said at last week’s children & young people overview and scrutiny committee meeting. 

“Especially when the council's leadership talks so much about their commitment to supporting families living with SEND and to reducing the cost of home to school transport.

“But, nearly seven months into this new administration, still no spades have gone in the ground. 

“The likelihood of these facilities being ready by September 2026 is increasingly remote. 

“Planning permission has not yet even been granted. And with building costs going only one way, how much more money will need to be approved and when? 

“An extra £250,000, an extra £500,000? Heaven forbid that, because of the council's delays, it should be much more.”

Earlier this year, Warwickshire County Council told Nub News a new planning application was needed before the scheme can progress - but this is yet to come forward.

Previous plans showed three major extensions were planned to allow for the expansion.

Cllr Dickson said staff and governors are “frustrated” and the public deserve an explanation and “action”.

Councillors have previously been told there is no guarantee costs will not rise.

Speaking in response, Cllr Wayne Briggs, portfolio holder for education, said he would chase officers on the next steps, adding they are doing “everything possible” to move the project forward.

“The submission of the planning application is being delayed pending an understanding of the impact of the hall road required to support the buildability of the project,” he explained.

“The creation of the proposed hall road is over third-party land owned by Warwick District Council and will require the necessary approvals to allow us to cross the land. 

“The final specification of the hall road is being agreed and will depend on whether the works are classified as engineering operations and therefore require a planning consent. 

“This may impact on our ability to complete permitted development works as anticipated, rather we might decide to put one application in for works rather than seek to phase.”