Controversial proposals for a school for up to 420 children, aged from four to 11, on a site next to the Croft Sports Centre, off Marlborough Lane, will be discussed and voted on by councillors at the Civic Offices on Tuesday at 6pm.

The agenda for the meeting, which is available on the council’s website, includes a recommendation that the director of planning and transport be authorised to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a legal agreement to secure the necessary contribution towards Wiltshire Fire and Rescue and the identified transport measures.

But campaigner Kareen Boyd said she is hoping councillors look at the application on its merits.

“I would be surprised if the officers recommended anything other than what they have been working on to date,” she said.

“What I hope is the planning committee look at the application on its merits and decide whether this application is actually safe and base a decision on that.

“I hope there is a good attendance.

“I would recommend anyone who wants to come along does so and if they want to speak they should contact Iain Tucker at Swindon Council.

“The strength of public opinion is always important. It is important that they demonstrate that they care.”

Under the proposals, access for staff would be via Hesketh Crescent, while vehicular access for parents would be via the unadopted road off Marlborough Lane, already the entrance to Croft Sports Centre and the delivery route for the Marriott Hotel.

The proposals also include widening Marlborough Lane and the existing footpath linking Croft Road to Hesketh Crescent to provide cycle and pedestrian access.

Among the council’s proposed traffic mitigations is to make Marl-borough Lane one way between the junctions with the unadopted road and the railway bridge.

Swindon Council has received 202 letters of objection to the proposal, nine letters providing impartial comment and one letter supporting the need of the school on the proposed site.

In the agenda, Swindon Council’s director of planning said: “This application has generated significant public interest relating to a number of differing issues.

“Notwithstanding the concerns that have been raised particularly from neighbouring residents, it is considered, on balance, that the scheme comprises an acceptable use of the land without adversely affecting the character of the locality or amenity of neighbouring residents to a degree that will justify withholding permission.

“Further issues do need to be addressed, such as agreeing the detailing of the soft and hard landscaping and the proposed highway mitigation measures, which can be covered by conditions or through a planning obligation.

Overall, on balance, officers are satisfied that the scheme complies with development plan policy and guidance.”