Proposed extension to existing primary school with associated external works including new car park and highway improvement works.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Proposed extension to existing primary school with associated external works including new car park and highway improvement works.)

(Councillor Shaw withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the application.)

The Development Manager gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr J Bothamley, a UK funder of educational services, spoke in objection. 

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor P Rone, spoke on the application.

He made the following principal comments:

·        The school would always face pressure on places. It served the area of highest population density in the City and Ofsted had rated it an outstanding school.

·        The proposal had been under consideration for some years.  It would provide opportunity for pupils.

·        The school was in a residential area and residents were affected by school traffic.  There was a travel plan in place.  However, car parking issues in the area did arise and the proposed car parking space would be beneficial and was essential.

In the Committee’s discussion of the application the following principal points were made:

·        There was broad support for the application.  There was an established strategic demand for the additional places and the replacement of the existing temporary buildings was to be welcomed.  The current pressure on parking and the proposed parking provision was noted.

·        A concern was expressed about the potential for the proposal to have an adverse impact on other schools.

·        The Lead Development Manager commented that paragraph 6.4 of the report confirmed the need for additional school places in the south of the city.  The proposal would also provide for the replacement of the temporary buildings currently in use.

·        The design could be improved upon.

·        The issue of travel and parking was a much broader issue than just this one school and the effect on its immediate area.

·        It was requested that it be ensured that the trees that would be lost as a result of the development were replaced.

The Lead Development Manager commented that new trees were proposed to replace those that would be lost.  The school did have a travel plan in place.  The replacement of the temporary buildings would be of benefit.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He had no additional comment.

Councillor Greenow proposed and Councillor Holton seconded a motion that the application be approved in accordance with the printed recommendation.  The motion was carried with 11 votes in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED:  That officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers are authorised to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions below and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers: