To sider proposals for the provision of a new build replacement school for Staunton on Wye. 

[Note: To further the efficient transaction of business, the Chairman agreed to consider this Agenda Item (13), and Agenda Item 12 (Wyebridge Academy – Outline Business Case) in between Agenda Items 6 and 7.  The remainder of the agenda was conducted in order.]

Cabinet considered the Head of Commissioning and Improvement’s report in respect of the provision of a new build replacement school for Staunton-on-Wye.   The school’s existing accommodation was substandard in terms of its physical condition and suitability of teaching spaces. 

A grant had been awarded in 2000 by the then DfES, to meet 90% of the net costs of new accommodation, and was dependent on the Council explicitly supporting the scheme by the end of March 2008.  The other 10% would be funded by the school.  A delay in agreeing the project had been caused by difficulties surrounding the location of a suitable site, and by obtaining planning permission.  During this time, pupil numbers also declined in the surrounding areas, and this called into question the merits of proceeding with the new build.  The current position was that planning permission had lapsed, and the offer of the funding would be withdrawn if the Council did not support a new build scheme by the deadline. 

The Chairman of Governors, Mr S. Grist, had been invited to the meeting, and spoke in support of the new build.  He said that the case for a new build was clear, because the current buildings were old, expensive to maintain and did not accommodate disabled children.  The School had recently received an “outstanding” award for sustainable education. 

In response to a question from Cabinet, the Head of Commissioning and Improvement confirmed that there had been some concern in neighbouring schools about the impact on their rolls if the new building was approved.  He reported that there were generally falling pupil numbers in the area, but that the new building would accommodate not more than the current capacity of 70 pupils.  He added that if any school in the area had a situation where there was more than 25% pupil capacity unused, the Council would be obliged to address this and take appropriate action.  Cabinet acknowledged that this was a realistic possibility in this and other areas of Herefordshire, and that it would have to be dealt with as and when necessary. 

RESOLVED:   that Cabinet supports the Governors’ project to provide a new school building for 70 pupils in Staunton on Wye.