Rival school opposing new secondary plans
PLANS for a new south Manchester school could be approved next week – despite opposition from bosses at a nearby secondary.
Officers are recommending that the new 1,200-pupil high school on Mauldeth Lane West, to be known as Chorlton High School South, is given the go-ahead.
But bosses at nearby Loreto High School have objected. They say there are enough schools serving Chorlton and neighbouring Didsbury.
They also highlight apparent anti-social behaviour in the area and on local trams.
Some councillors believe the new school could put extra pressure on the transport network. The Department for Education has applied for permission to build the three-storey school at the site, which is currently used by the Greater Manchester Police to train police dogs. Around 120 full-time members of staff would be taken on.
Documents going before the planning panel read: “Considering the in-year primary demand we’re currently experiencing, these numbers could yet increase further.
“Should there be a delay to the permanent build at CHS South we would be presented with considerable challenge to meeting our secondary sufficiency in future years.”
But ward councillors say changes are needed to the plans before they can support them.
While they back the principle of a new school, they said they have ‘continuing concerns’ about potential traffic and travel problems.
The plans also include an allweather pitch and a multi-use games area close to the sports hall.
Town hall officers recommend that the plans are approved at Thursday’s meeting.