The disappointing thing about all this is the failure to recognise an optimum school site when you see it, as in the case of Hamilton Lodge. It was perfect for a school site linked either to Horniman or Fairlawn.
Its much harder to find a suitable location for a school than it is for a hostel or housing. And yes there would have been objections to a school annexe but thats pretty standard.

The other frustrating aspect is a failure of local Councillors to appreciate the extent of the school places crisis which is very real- and a failure to attempt to engage with the concerns and needs of local parents on that front but that would require going against the party line which isnt going to happen is it. Those of us lucky to have kids in the two excellent local schools watch as bulge classes are imposed that result in overcrowded playgrounds which offer below the minimum standard of m2/ per pupil and more pressure on lunch facilities. It is not fair to expect local children to suffer congested schools because of local authority foresight.

Lets not forget however that the latest homelessness crisis is a result of Tory- LibDem policies on the bedroom tax and a squeeze on family incomes at the poorest level. Its also very real and needs a solution but there were and are other suitable sites across the borough that would have suited just as well. The loss of Hamilton Lodge as a potential education site is very unfortunate.