Go-ahead for school expansion despite loss-of-field objection
jobs.
When completed, the hub aims to meet anticipated rises in pupil numbers with the remaining school building sidelined for secondary age students.
According to planning papers, the new building would boast six classrooms, an activity hall and a food technology area, alongside sensory and therapy spaces.
During consultation Sport England objected to the development stating the plans clashed with policies due to the loss of a playing field.
However, an agent for the applicant stated the developmentwouldallowtheschoolto expand and ensure that “children get the most from their education experience”.
The council’s planning authority, approving the plans on July 24, said the benefits of improvedfacilitiesoutweighed any “adverse impact” from the loss of a playing field.
A decision report reads: “Officers would advise that whilst there would be an adverse impact upon the local community through the loss of a playing field, there would also be a benefit to the wider community through the provision of specialist education provided by an operator who has received a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted.
“Thesupportingletterfrom the agent identifies the benefits for pupils from the proposed development in terms of being able to operate both a primaryandsecondaryschool on the site.”
The plans were approved under emergency delegated powers introduced by the council during the pandemic.
As Sport England objected, the plans will now be referred to the Secretary of State for consideration.
Adecisiononaseparateapplicationfora‘multi-usegames area’ is expected by the end of August.