To approve the proposal to dispose of the former school land and playing fields at Holme Lacy Primary School subject to agreement from the Secretary of State.

Holme Lacy primary school closed in September 2012 following a statutory consultation period. There was no evidence or indication that demand for places at the school would increase in the foreseeable future and it was very unlikely that demand would have been at a level that would sustain the school financially or educationally. No significant new housing development was planned in the school catchment area.

The buildings and land was used temporarily by Robert Owen Academy from September 2013 to August 2015. Since then no use has been made of either the buildings or playing fields by any party and therefore they are no longer required following the closure of the school.

That:

(a)        The land occupied by the former Holme Lacy Primary School (buildings, land and playing fields) as identified in the plan at appendix 1, be approved for disposal; and

(b)        the interim education and capital manager be authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement the disposal subject to Secretary of State consent being secured.

1.          The site is retained. The opportunity to realise a capital receipt would be lost and costs would be incurred to maintain the site or demolish the building to reduce council liability.