School's event plans '˜would blight lives'

Hymers College is applying to make more use of its buildings and grounds on Hymers Avenue, Hull. Up to six outdoor events could be held at the school, which was controversially granted an alcohol licence earlier this year.

It already hosts Classics in the Park and events like the annual garden party. However residents are concerned about the impact of more events, including outside cinema and pop concerts.

Planners are recommending councillors approve the plans next week. But Hull West and Hessle MP Diana Johnson, and a dozen residents living in the conservation area wrote to object.

Mrs Johnson claimed it would “blight the domestic lives of a large number of constituents” saying she was concerned the detrimental impact on residential amenity for the “whole area, as well as the loss of privacy and car parking adjacent to homes will be significant, disruptive and frequent.”

Resident Mike Powell, who will speak at the meeting, said: “We are worried about the cumulative impact. We’re not nimbys and we accept the noise and disturbance of a school carrying out its educational function, but we didn’t choose to live next to a school which is also going to be a venue for major entertainments.”

There are plans for overspill parking at Walton Street. The events would finish at 10pm. A report adds: “The applicant do not intend to hold events of more than 3,000 capacity and would be willing to accept such a planning condition.” No one was available to comment at the school.