THE chairman of the trust behind a controversial school has said there is no need for a Plan B because he is confident the planning appeal 'will go our way’.

Nick Kandola, chairman of the Sikh Education Trust, was speaking to The Observer this week after education bosses said the outcome of Khalsa Secondary Academy’s appeal hearing to stay at Pioneer House, in Hollybush Hill, would not be 'imminent’.

The school will close for the summer on Wednesday with the new autumn term starting on September 5.

A spokesman from the Department of Education said: “We aren't expecting a verdict imminently.

“It will most likely be around September or a bit after the children go back to school.” When asked if the school has a contingency plan to house the 90 returning pupils and new Year 7 intake if a decision is not made before the start of term, Mr Kandola said: “We hope the verdict will come out around early August or middle of August. We will make sure it happens and the Government understand the urgency.” He added: “We are confident that it will go our way so we have made no other plans for the school.” The two-day hearing on Thursday and Friday last week focused on highway and traffic, noise pollution and contamination risks.

There were disputes between both sides regarding data, which projected the levels that would be reached when the school is at full capacity of 840 pupils in 2018.

Stoke Poges residents at the hearing resented Mr Kandola’s description of the village as a 'commuter belt’ lodged between 'two industrial estates’.

Campaigners said they are keen to preserve the village’s tranquil charm and are anxiously awaiting the verdict.

At the hearing, Stoke Poges councillor Keith Finan said: “It’s sad because if there was a decision to be made today it would be done and dusted and we could get on with our lives, but it’s not.

“Instead it will come over an email or by letter.”