Earlier this month, Dundee City Council was forced to withdraw plans for the new school for “further consideration of technical issues”.

Residents were up in arms when they went to see the plans on display and discovered the inclusion of a 126-space car park behind their homes, which had never been previously discussed.

The planning officer was unable to answer several technical questions posed by locals and shortly after the plans were withdrawn.

It is understood planning officials are now working flat out to iron out those “technical” issues.

Residents have stressed they are not in opposition to the school itself — only to the “backhanded” way in which they say the council is dealing with the planning process.

Resident James Tinney said, “Our biggest gripe is that the council has not kept in touch with residents at all.

“We’ve been finding out little snippets here and there in the papers, but we feel we are disadvantaged by the lack of information we are getting.”

Mr Tinney said he was angry that the new car park is to be used by staff of the new school as well as staff of the neighbouring St John’s High School.

“This car park will have 126 spaces that are to be used by staff at both schools. Surely if it’s a car park for St John’s too, then it’s a separate planning issue and planning permission should be received.

“When we first heard about the school, we were really enthusiastic about it. It was explained to us that the new school would be surrounded by trees and landscaped gardens for the children to look out and enjoy.

“Now we’re worried that this has been completely forgotten about in favour of a car park.”

Mr Tinney said he was further confused by a letter from director of planning and transportation, Mike Galloway, which claims preferred access to the new school would be at Glentrium Terrace, despite plans that clearly state access is to be from Glenaffrick Terrace. However, that is understood to have been a typing error.

Last year’s approval for construction was given by the city council’s education committee despite the locals’ objections over traffic access.

At that time residents said they were “deeply distrustful” of the council after its handling of traffic arrangements for the new school.

Access is to be given to the school from Johnston Avenue via Glenaffric Terrace, meaning traffic will pass near the playground of neighbouring St Johns’ school.

Residents repeatedly campaigned for access at Clepington Road and 81 of the 83 locals signed a petition in opposition to the council plan.

Now the latest inclusion of a car park for 126 vehicles for staff of both schools has residents increasingly concerned about what else the council will “slip into” the plans.

Another local woman, Brida Tennant, said she and Mr Tinney had initially been included in the consultation stage. However, when they refused to agree on the access decision, they were no longer allowed to participate in the process.

She said, “The problem is that there are far too many people making decisions about this area without ever seeing the area — people who don’t have to live here and live with the consequences.

“We’ve never been asked to another meeting and they have implied through innuendos that’s because we are trying to hold things back.

“That’s rubbish, we’re not trying to hold anything back, we just want some consideration.”

A Dundee City Council education department spokesman said, “The planning application for a replacement for Kingspark School has been withdrawn meantime for further consideration of technical issues.

“A new application is to be submitted in the near future.

“The original proposal consulted on included a car park as well as trees and landscaping.

“There has been consultation with residents over a number of months — which has included meetings with representatives and detailed discussions on proposals. Residents have spoken at the education committee and made a presentation to the Kingspark Project Board.

“A report on the outcome of the formal consultation went to the education committee in March.”