Wiltshire Council has raised concerns about the impact of a £6m donation to a local school by billionaire inventor Sir James Dyson.
The Department for Education has green lighted the multi-million-pound donation by Sir James to Malmesbury Church of England School, which is located near to Dyson's R&D campus.
The money will go towards building a centre for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and arts, seven classrooms and a school hall.
Wiltshire Council leaders have welcomed the donation but are concerned about the impact the creation of over 200 new school places could have on the survival of neighbouring schools.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: ‘Our School Places Strategy is our long-term plan, based on clear evidence, which maps out how we will secure sufficient school places for the future.
‘Our strategy shows we have sufficient places in the three local schools to cater for expected demand and we have expressed concern about the impact that adding 210 additional places at Malmesbury Primary School could have on neighbouring schools.
‘However, we now have the Government's final decision and we will work with everyone involved to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for all our pupils.’
