£6.9m programme to improve city schools
Willow Fields Primary School in the north area of Sunderland.
According to planning documents, the school is in a “poor condition” and doesn’t have enough places to meet demand from new housing developments.
Pupils would move to the former Maplewood School site, off Redcar Road, following demolition works in early 2019.
The new school buildings aim to boost capacity from 210 to 315 places with a new build planned for completion in 2021.
Sunderland City Council submitted a planning application in December 2019 for
Willow Fields.
Proposals include a single storey building with a large hall, external play areas, tree planting and a multi use games area.
During consultation, city council highways officers requested traffic calming measures along Redcar Road and other neighbouring streets.
Planned transport improvements at the site include double yellow lines, a triple speed cushion, school ‘keep clear’ markings and a raised zebra crossing.
Highways bosses have also requested that the school’s start and finish times are staggered with the nearby English Martyrs RC Primary School to prevent congestion.
Planning officers have recommended the plans for approval.
A report states: “The implications of the development relative to highways matters have been considered carefully by the council’s highways team.
“Following the submission of additional information and subject to the recommended conditions, it is considered that the proposals are acceptable relative to highway and pedestrian safety.”
Councillors will discuss the application at Sunderland Civic Centre on March 3 at 3.45pm. The public are welcome to attend.