PARENTS at a Maldon primary school will be allowed to buy a discounted permit for school drop-offs despite previously being denied.

Maldon District Council approved plans to allow parents at Maldon Court Preparatory School to buy a £200 parking permit after it axed an informal arrangement that allowed free parking in its White Horse Lane car park twice a day.

A similar proposal went before the community services committee in April, but was rejected. The new plan was approved by the same committee on Tuesday.

Refusal would have seen parents forced to fork out £580 for a parking permit at the site, or having to pay £1 for every 30 minute visit to the car park.

However, new proposals were given the go ahead after it was found there was no legal alternative for parents.

A report said: “The proposal for a schools parking permit is only applicable to the Maldon Court School due to the unique parking issues identified. The cost of the permit will be at a rate which is reflective of their minimal use and in line with existing charges.”

The plan was approved and will be installed on a trial basis for the next two academic years.

Speaking at the meeting, Maldon Court Primary’s headteacher, Elaine Mason said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Council for all of your hard work and commitment in trying to reach an outcome that is amicable for both the Council and the school.

“I know it has been a contentious issue but parents appreciate free parking cannot be continued and are more than happy to pay for a permit at the rate originally suggested by the Council.”

A final decision will be made by the Council at a meeting on Thursday.