CONTROVERSIAL plans to base a school for children with emotional, social and behavioural problems in Buckfastleigh will be decided today.

Twenty-eight residents have objected to plans by the Rochdale-based Continuum Group to turn the unused football pavilion behind Oaklands Park into a school for up to 18 pupils.

They claim the additional traffic would worsen congestion in narrow Silver Street and would cause noise and security problems. Buckfastleigh Town Council has also objected.

Dartmoor National Park Authority will consider the application at its development management committee today, with a recommendation is for approval.

The school is based in Staverton, but lack of outside space and the imminent expiry of their lease has forced the company to look elsewhere.

The school is independent and caters for pupils with autism, attention deficit problems, attachment problems or emotional hardships.

Numbers fluctuate; presently there are ten pupils, travelling from within a 30-mile radius, mostly Torbay.

Continuum has sought to quell residents' apprehensions by saying that pupils would arrive and leave by taxi, accompanied by staff, parent or carer and that when outside, they would be monitored at all times.

An officer's report says that while the school would not necessarily provide a local service, their policies do encourage community development which provide for minority or vulnerable groups.

Traffic fears are dismissed. The report says that the impact of an anticipated extra 15 traffic movements a day would be 'minimal'.

Residents' fears that the sewage system could not cope also look to fall flat , as the company has claimed the pavilion is served by two septic tanks.

Continuum, which runs similar establishments in other parts of the country, want to convert the building to form five classrooms, an office, reception area, canteen/kitchen and toilets.