Primary and pre-school at odds over new building plan

A VILLAGE primary school and the pre-school it shares a site with have gone head to head in a battle over the quality of facilities they can offer their children.

North Yorkshire County Council has been told their decision over plans to build classrooms would mean provision for youngsters would either suffer at Kirby Malzeard Church of England Primary School or at the neighbouring pre-school in the village near Ripon.

Members of the planning and regulatory functions committee heard the primary school was seeking permission to demolish two temporary classrooms and replace them with a double permanent prefabricated classroom.

The primary school said it needed to improve disabled access at the site and the new classroom would be “used by all students to create an inclusive environment”.

The proposal received 47 letters of support, many of which refer to the need for improved facilities at the school.

But Sarah Haslam, of Kirby Malzeard pre-school, told the committee that the proposed classroom would blight provision and create danger for youngsters.

A loss of light would lead to the pre-school’s play area becoming damp and slippery, she said.

Councillors were told the effect of the proposal on light in the pre-school had been tested and had found to be within acceptable limits. Members ave the go-ahead for the plans.