TRAFFIC will be a major concern when a proposed new primary school is built at Basford and transporting children to and from the site must be given consideration, councillors said.

The free school is expected to open at Basford East near Shavington in September 2025 and will take children from new housing in the area.

Cheshire East Council's children and families committee was told on Monday (January 10) the school could become a two form entry as the council was trying to future-proof the area because there are several large developments planned, including Basford East, Basford West and the South Cheshire Growth Village.

Alsager councillor June Buckley asked acting director of education Mark Bayley whether transport schemes, such as parents car sharing or school buses, would be considered.

"Or, when the schools are built, having a central quick drop-off point so the parents can pull up, the children can get out and walk into school and you haven't got that clogging," she said.

She said children living within half a mile should also be encouraged to walk to school in the summer.

Mr Bayley replied: "The site for the school is very close to some quite large main roads so transport has got be a high priority here."

He said if councillors agreed, transport questions could form part of the informal consultation.

Committee chair Kath Flavell said the drop-off point and a walking bus was a good idea.

"I think we ought to be doing that for a lot of our primary schools really just to help ease that congestion," she said.

Congleton West councillor George Hayes raised concerns about the impact a new school might have on pupil numbers at Wybunbury Delves and the Berkeley at Wistaston but Mr Bayley said briefings had been arranged and both schools were able to put forward their views.

The committee voted to proceed with the free school presumption process, which will include undertaking a consultation with the local community, local schools, local councillors, town council and local MP and to go ahead with the transfer of the proposed school site into the council ownership.

The council will also start looking for potential sponsors to run the new school.