An extension, part single storey and part double storey to existingschool building, with associated landscaping and incorporating amendments to layout and appearance of existing school.

The application was deferred pending further discussions with the applicant and appropriate consultees.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet.  She added that a petition containing 1251 signatures had been received in support of the application on the morning of the meeting.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mrs Bailey, the Head teacher for the school, spoke in support of the application.

Councillor GJ Powell, the Cabinet Member for Education and Infrastructure, addressed the Committee in support of the application in accordance with paragraph 5.13.7 of the Council’s Constitution. Councillor Powell left the Council Chamber immediately after speaking and took no further participation in the debate.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor R Preece, one of the local ward members, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The school was moved to its current location in the 1990’s after previously being located on Ross Road.

·         The school was built for 40 pupils but now accommodated in excess of 70.

·         64 of the signatures on the petition came from people who lived in close proximity to the school.

·         The school was clearly above capacity, a fact confirmed by the LEA, with no viable alternative option apart from an extension to the existing site.

Councillor P Rone, another of the local ward members, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The site visit had highlighted the scale of the proposal.

·         The extension to the school would be 24 metres away from the nearest dwelling.

·         The school was only open during the week and was not used at weekends.

·         The need for the extension was apparent.

Councillor ACR Chappell, the other local ward member, also commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The application would have a negative impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents and should be moved onto the playing field of the neighbouring Marlbrook School.

·         Sport England have not formally objected and should be approached by the applicant with a view to relocating the extension on the school field.

·         The new vacant former Whitecross High School had been designated for a primary school and would be a more appropriate site.

·         The proposed extension to the school may need to be extended further in the future.

The Committee discussed the application and had concerns in respect of the close proximity of the proposed extension to the nearby dwellings, that the planned capacity would not be sufficient to meet future needs resulting in further extension being necessary, and the overdevelopment of the site. Members asked for the determination of the application to be deferred pending further discussions with the applicant and Sport England in order to establish if the proposed extension could be relocated into a small area of the playing field of the neighbouring Marlbrook School.

The Committee also discussed the possibility of relocating the entire school to either the now vacant former Whitecross High School site or any other appropriate site within the City.

Councillors Preece, Rone and Chappell were given the opportunity to close the debate. They reiterated their opening remarks.

RESOLVED

THAT determination of the application be deferred pending further discussions with the applicant and Sport England in respect of the possible re-siting of the proposal onto neighbouring school land or identifying alternative sites within the County.