Transformation plan for schools

Multi-million pound improvement scheme:

THREE schools have been given the go-ahead to expand and improve their buildings as part of a multi-million pound transformation.

Permission has been granted for Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council’s major school investment plans at Ffynnon Taf Primary in Taff’s Well, Cwmlai Primary in Tonyrefail and Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun in Penywaun, near Aberdare.

The three applications were considered and approved by the council’s planning and development committee last Thursday.

The schemes will enable the capacity of the respective schools to be increased in response to local demand, while also providing staff and pupils with brand new facilities.

The go-ahead will see a detached extension block including four classrooms and a school hall built at Ffynon Taf Primary School.

This new building will replace the school’s three temporary classrooms, and will be used permanently alongside the existing Victorian-style building which has recently received interior upgrades.

The scheme will increase the school’s capacity, a requirement due to the nearby housing developments, and will be delivered via a total investment of more than £3m – using a £1m contribution from Welsh Government’s Community Hub Capital Grant, and a contribution from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

The application was recommended for approval by Officers, who noted in a report that it complies with the relevant policies of the Local Development Plan, and that the development would “contribute to building strong and sustainable communities” while providing improved facilities for the school.

A unique element of the scheme is the Taff’s Well Thermal Spring

Heat Network Project, which proposes to use Wales’ only natural thermal spring as a source of low-carbon heat for the heating systems of the new school block.

At Cwmlai Primary School,the plans include a new single-storey, three-classroom extension – including new toilets, a plant room and storage areas.

It also comprised of a new multi use games area and four extra car park spaces.

The new building will provide a new home for the two existing childcare settings, which currently have limited space.

The school also needs expansion to cut pressure on facilities – and a flexible space will be provided for use in school hours and after-school clubs.

The application was recommended for approval by officers, noting that it will provide improved teaching, childcare and physical education facilities.

At Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun, meanwhile, the plans include demolishing the current caretaker’s house and building teaching and sports facilities within the grounds of the existing school.

These include a new eight-classroom block with community rooms, drama and music facilities, along with a new school reception, sports hall, fitness suite and changing rooms.

The community will also be able to access some of these facilities, with segregation from pupils ensured.

A new parking area with 45 additional spaces will be included, along with a cycle store.

The £12.1m plans will benefit from 65% funding from Welsh Government via its 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme, and will boost Welshmedium places provided at the school by a total of 187 – from 1,038 to 1,225.

The application was recommended for approval, with officers noting the increase in capacity, improved school environment, provision of much-needed community facilities and onsite parking to address an existing shortfall.

The scale and design of the proposals was also considered to be appropriate.

Joy Rosser, the council’s cabinet member for education, said: “With full planning permission now granted, the council can make further progress on all three projects towards their delivery on site.

“I look forward to seeing this further progress being made in the coming weeks and months.”