Proposed extensions to the existing primary school to provide 2 additional classrooms and associated learning resource and support spaces, extension of the existing car park area, relocation of 2 no. storage sheds, and associated hard and soft landscaping and biodiversity improvements. 

Application approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The senior planning officer provided a presentation on the application and updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that it was a council own application with no objections from the public. Sports England had objected to the application due to the loss of a small area of playing field, which was approximately a 10% reduction. Extra provision was needed for children with special education needs (SEND), there was a shortfall of SEND provision in Herefordshire. The development at Hampton Dean would help to improve facilities for children with SEND.

The committee debated the application. It was recognised that the loss of playing fields was unfortunate and that Sport England had an important role protecting playing fields but there was an overriding need for SEND provision that outweighed the modest loss of playing fields.

There was support across the committee for the application.

The ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. In summary, she explained that there remained adequate area at the school for sports.

Councillor Bruce Baker proposed and councillor Richard Thomas seconded a motion that the application be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

The Planning & Regulatory Committee resolve to approve the proposal subject to the following list of conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers and that the application is referred to the Secretary of State under the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2024.

Unless Sport England subsequently remove their objection, the Local Planning Authority shall not grant planning permission until the expiry of a period of 21 days beginning with the date which the Secretary of State tells the authority in writing they have received notification and if, before the expiry of the 21 day period, the Secretary of State has notified the authority that they do not intend to issue a direction under section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 in respect of that application, the local planning authority may determine the application.