Controversial move to bulldoze school approved
£3M REPLACEMENT WILL BE BUILT DESPITE NEIGHBOURS’ OBJECTIONS
PLANS to bulldoze a primary school and build a £3m replacement have been approved, despite neighbours’ objections.
A total of 45 letters were submitted to Stockport council against the redevelopment of St John’s CE on Poplar Street, Heaton Mersey.
Neighbours called for the existing school to be repaired rather than demolished and raised concerns about the size and scale of the new facility.
Residents argued it would have a negative impact on the nearby conservation area – in particular the loss of trees – and cited health and safety issues relating to highways.
However, the authority has also received 193 letters from supporters backing the scheme.
Campaigners say St John’s has an ‘excellent’ reputation that provides a high standard of education and first class teaching. “However, the school is ageing – and is in a poor state of repair – and is not structurally fit for purpose,” read one letter.
“Surveys confirm that the building will not last for much longer.
“It was identified as in need of urgent repair in 2011 as part of the Priority Schools Building programme – and labelled as one of the most dilapidated in the country.”
Members of the authority’s Planning and Highways Regeneration committee debated the application yesterday.
Coun John Taylor said he had been present at all stages of the application process, which he described as ‘robust.’
He added: “With regard to felled trees, hedges and concerns about badgers – a lot of capability is there to make sure that the process of development is safeguarded.
“The actual amount of trees on site at the moment is not great,” he added.
“However, I believe it would be feasible to have more on site when the build is completed.
“I also think there is educational value here by encouraging pupils to participate in planting bulbs.”
Blueprints show the school, paid for by the government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency, will provide a ‘practical’ room to be used for ‘food tech,’ science and a before and after school club.
In addition, first-floor junior classrooms will be located alongside a library, ‘group rooms’ and a staffroom.
“A secure entrance is proposed with access to the reception, office and an interview room,” added the report.
“The remaining portion of the ground level contains the main hall, kitchen and storage.”
Plans also revealed that access to the school will remain via Poplar Street – and a new 17-space car park will be provided.
And pupils will have access to new play areas.
A report also stated the old school would not be demolished until the new unit has been completed.
For more information, visit planning.stockport.gov.uk and enter reference DC/069194.