The reason for my interest is that as I recall there is an obligation under planning law for applicants to publicise their applications for planning permission, usually taking the form of notices affixed to lampposts etc in the local area forewarning residents of potential new developments.

I walk on a daily basis through the surrounding area and do not recall seeing any such notices. Is there an exemption from these requirements when the applicant is also judge and jury?

St Mary's Park is a quiet little estate in a great location, yet twice a day is subjected to the passage of schoolchildren.

Whilst I'm sure only a minority are troublemakers, the swearing, smoking, vandalism and general antisocial behaviour leave all the local residents angry and upset.

I can only hope that in the process of building this new super school on our doorsteps that the council will have the common sense and decency to do what local residents have long been campaigning for; close the unwanted snickets and thoroughfares through the estate.

One school a fair distance away causes no end of problems, but a merged school right on our doorsteps?

I shudder to think.

Mogg Moore, Upper Armley, Leeds