In a meeting held on 12 September 2025, Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holders made decisions regarding education and highways. Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, approved consultations for expanding Whitestone Infant School and Chetwynd Junior School, as well as establishing a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) resourced provision at Race Leys Infant School. Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, approved a developer-funded highway improvement scheme on Smarts Road, Bedworth. Finally, Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, approved the installation of raised tables with pedestrian refuges on Adelaide Road and Avenue Road in Leamington Spa.

School Expansion Consultations

Councillor Wayne Briggs approved the commencement of consultations for expansions at Whitestone Infant School and Chetwynd Junior School, citing the council's responsibility under Section 14 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure sufficient school places are available. The expansions aim to address forecast pressures in the Nuneaton South East Primary School Place Planning area due to ongoing housing development. Whitestone Infant School will increase by 90 places, and Chetwynd Junior School by 120. A previous consultation took place between 21 October and 29 November 2024, but a further consultation is necessary due to the time that has passed since then.

The council will use the school's established communication channels to consult parents, and will also notify other schools and stakeholders. Information will also be placed on the council's 'Ask Warwickshire' consultation platform.

The report notes several financial implications:

4.2 If after the consultation, there is a decision to go ahead with the expansion there will be capital costs to the Local Authority in order to provide additional teaching and ancillary space. This will be covered in more detail in the report to Cabinet intended for December 2025.

4.4 The capital project would be funded via relevant developer contributions collected, developer contributions to be received, and Education Capital Investment Funding as required.

The report also notes that wherever possible, existing structures should be used to minimise environmental impact.

SEND Resourced Provision

Councillor Wayne Briggs also approved a consultation for establishing a SEND resourced provision at Race Leys Infant School in Bedworth. This provision will cater for up to eight primary-aged pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), primarily focusing on communication and interaction needs. The council aims to distribute resourced provisions across local area school consortium networks, offering more opportunities for children to access education within their communities. The resourced provision is designed to allow children with additional needs to attend mainstream settings while accessing specialist support, reducing waiting times and travel.

The consultation, if approved, will take place between 29 September 2025 and 26 October 2025.

The report notes that the establishment of resourced provision forms part of the council's ongoing strategy to limit the overspend on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), and that enabling children to access education provision closer to home also helps the council to manage the cost of Home to School Transport.

Smarts Road Traffic Calming

Councillor Stephen Shaw approved the addition of a developer-funded highway improvement scheme to the Capital Programme for 2025/2026, concerning traffic calming measures on Smarts Road in Bedworth. The scheme, valued at approximately £173,000, is tied to planning consent granted to Vistry Homes Limited Wolverhampton for the erection of 122 residential dwellings.

The works include constructing new traffic calming measures, such as speed cushions and a 22m long raised table at the junction with Alice Close. Before implementation, a public consultation will be carried out in accordance with section 90 of the Highways Act 1980. The developer is required to enter into a Section 278 agreement¹ with the council.

The report notes that schemes subject to a s278 agreement are fully funded by developers, and that the environmental impacts of developer-funded highway schemes are considered through the planning approval process.

Adelaide Road/Avenue Road Pedestrian Refuges

Councillor Jennifer Warren approved the installation of two raised tables with pedestrian refuges on Adelaide Road and Avenue Road in Leamington Spa. The decision follows a consultation period where one objection was received.

The proposals aim to improve accessibility from Station Approach into Leamington Town Centre and enhance road safety for pedestrians. Councillor Jonathan Chilvers supported the measures, stating that many residents had raised concerns about access issues.

One resident objected to the road humps/raised table, raising concerns about:

• The health risk to cyclists navigating the humps
• Low pedestrian usage at these points
• Increased traffic congestion
• Delays to fire engines leaving Leamington Fire Station
• Discomfort for passengers, especially in ambulances

Officers responded by stating that the humps are designed to be easily navigable by all vehicles, including cyclists, and that the design of the humps still allows all emergency vehicles to travel over safely.

The Leamington Society Committee submitted an email in support of the proposed scheme, stating that they hoped the raised humps and pedestrian refuges will provide for safer and easier access for the increased number of residents south of Avenue Rd/Park Road to access the town centre and other amenities.

The scheme will cost approximately £60,000, fully funded from the local member's delegated budget.