Dyson Bath academy doubt
- Published: 08 August 2008 13:31
- Author: Simon Ellery
- More by this Author
- Last Updated: 08 August 2008 14:15
A bitter dispute over council-backed plans for a Dyson academy in Bath has thrown the project into doubt.
The £56m academy in Bath backed by the vacuum cleaner giant has been called in by planning minister Baroness Andrews following concerns by the Environment Agency over its flood risk.
The planning application was approved by Bath and North East Somerset Council earlier this year but needed ministerial approval because of detailed flooding objections from the agency.
Cllr Les Kew (Con), chairman of the council's development control committee, said, "I am disappointed that the Dyson Academy will be delayed as a consequence of the government's decision."
Julia Curry, head of the James Dyson Foundation, said: "The inquiry is a scandalous waste of time and money. The Secretary of State already has enough facts to reach a decision.
"The scheme is well supported with the notable exception of the Environment Agency which, despite our attempts, has refused face to face discussions.
She said that the charity has spent £3.5m and four years on school project, "overcoming endless bureaucratic hurdles".
"The trustees will now seriously consider whether to direct funds towards further legal costs or instead move on to new projects. And who suffers? Bath's young people."
