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Minster parish councillors still unhappy with ‘soulless’ new school in the village's Thistle Hill

Minster Parish Council has refused to back down on its decision to object to the design of a new school at the Thistle Hill estate.

Last month we reported how the organisation had described the look of the new building as soulless and uninspiring, something the architects defended as they are led by central government and the Education Funding Agency (EFA).

After receiving an official objection from the parish, Kent County Council (KCC) responded to them to try and address their concerns.

A computer generated image of how the new Thistle Hill school might look
A computer generated image of how the new Thistle Hill school might look

A computer generated image of the two-form entry primary school, which will be built on land next to the community centre on the Minster development, was sent to the council to be viewed along with the original artist impressions.

In a letter to parish clerk Trish Codrington KCC said it appreciated the original elevation drawings, although accurate, did not express the design very well.

It goes on to say the proposed school would represent a modern education facility which would complement the design of the surrounding housing.

It also refers to the parish council’s suggestion the designs of the new Eastchurch primary in Leysdown and the revamp St George’s primary are taken into consideration, saying they were designed and built at a time when funding was not as stringent as it now is.

However, receiving the updated picture has done nothing to change the minds of parish councillors, who have upheld their objection.

Mrs Codrington replied, saying councillors were disappointed KCC chose to cast doubt on their ability to read a drawing and that the new image was exactly what members had envisaged the building would look like.

They also raised the issue of the flat roofs, which they say are high maintenance, and have suggested a low pitch roof might go someway to mitigate the soulless effect of the design.

KCC has submitted a planning application for the school and is consulting on the proposals.

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