Proposed two-storey educational building with associated landscaping and infrastructure works.

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

The principal planning officer provided a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda. A correction was provided to paragraph 2.2 of the report; the paragraph should have referred to eight (8) large classrooms and other ancillary spaces. The paragraph incorrectly quoted 13 additional classrooms.

 

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Hancorn, local resident, spoke in objection to the application and Mr Molyneux-Wright, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

 

In accordance with the council's constitution, a statement was read on behalf of the local ward member. He explained, that whilst there was an urgent need for school places in Herefordshire the proposal in the application should take account of the wider context to ensure it was appropriate for pupils and the local community. The area and school suffered from significant traffic and parking pressures locally; there was concern that the expansion would exacerbate these problems. It was important to confirm that the expansion of the high school aligned with the wider housing plans and development in the county. There was also concern at the recent Ofsted ratings in relation to the school and it was questioned whether this was the right location for significant capital investment. Whilst it was recognised that increasing school places was necessary, issues around access and transport and strategic planning must be fully addressed before a decision was made.

 

The committee debated the application:

 

• There had been a number of concerns raised regarding the process followed for the application and clarity was requested that due process had been followed.
• The application proposed a substantial building in an open space but it was acknowledged that the building was located within the context of other educational buildings therefore was not out of keeping;
• The proposed budling was at a significant distance from neighbouring properties and there was screening of the building by trees on the site boundaries. Verification was requested the trees would be retained on the southern boundary to maintain screening at this location.
• It was noted that additional parking was proposed as part of the application; the active travel measures to access the school were welcomed and it was hoped would discourage car travel to the site.
• The provision of solar panels on the roof of the proposed building was welcomed.
• The loss of playing fields was regretted but new sports facilities were proposed as part of the application which would also be accessible to the local community.

 

The development manager provided the following clarification:

 

• the application was a public finance initiative (PFI) application which had a shorter determination date and a shorter consultation period. However, revised plans for the application had been subject to a 21 day consultation which was beyond the requirements in the PFI legislation.
• It was confirmed that there was no intention to remove trees from the boundaries around the building and a condition was imposed on the permission to protect trees on the site.

 

Councillor Stef Simmons 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 carried by a simple majority.

 

RESOLVED:

 

RECOMMENDATION : That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions listed, together with any subsequent amendments or additional conditions considered necessary by officers under the scheme of delegation, and subject to referral to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2021, due to the statutory objection from Sport England.

 

STANDARD CONDITIONS

 

1. Time Limit for Commencement

The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

 

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

 

2. Approved Plans and Documents

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans and documents listed below, and the schedule of materials listed thereon.

 

• Existing Site Plan: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0511_P01 (March 2025)
• General Arrangement Floor Plan Level 00: BLMS0601-AHR-31-N00-D-A0510-P01 (March 2025)
• General Arrangement Floor Plan Level 01: BLMS0601-AHR-31-N01-D-A0511-P01 (March 2025)
• General Arrangement Floor Plan Level R1: BLMS0601-AHR-31-NR1-D-A0512-P01 (March 2025)
• Site Plan: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0510-S2-P04 (September 2025)
• Proposed Soft Landscape Layout: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0517-S2-P04 (September 2025)
• Proposed Site Landscape Masterplan: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0520-S2-P05 (September 2025)
• Proposed Soft Landscape Layout: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0540-S4-P04 (September 2025)
• Site Hard Landscape Details: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0550-S2-P03 (September 2025)
• Proposed Detailed Vehicle Access Loop: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0525-S2-P02 (September 2025)
• Proposed Detailed Vehicle Access Rear Carpark: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0526-S2-P02 (September 2025)
• School Secure Line: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0530-S2-P02 (September 2025)
• General Arrangement Building Elevations: BLMS0601-AHR-32-NZZ-D-A-0520-S2-P04 (September 2025)
• General Arrangement Building Sections 01: BLMS0601-AHR-33-NZZ-D-A-0530-S2-P03 (September 2025)
• General Arrangement Building Sections 02: BLMS0601-AHR-33-NZZ-D-A-0531-S2-P04 (September 2025)
• General Arrangement Building Sections 03: BLMS0601-AHR-33-NZZ-D-A-0532-S2-P03 (September 2025)
• General Arrangement Building Sections 04: BLMS0601-AHR-33-NZZ-D-A-0533-S2-P04 (September 2025)
• Landscape Specification: BLMS0601-AHR-10-LZZ-T-L-0610-P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Existing External Plan and Social Provision: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9003_P02 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Plan Detailed: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9010_P02 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Access Strategy Vehicles: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9020_P02 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Tree Removal & Protection Plan: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9030_P02 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Bird Nesting & Bat Roosting Box Location: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9035_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Levels: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9040_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Setting Out – Kerbs & Edges: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9045_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Setting Out – Street Furniture: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9047_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Setting Out – Tree Planting: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9048_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Soft Landscape Planting Plan: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9050_P02 (June 2025)
• Site Soft Landscape Planting Plan Details: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9052_P02 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Top Soil Plan: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9054_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Mulching Plan: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9055_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Detail Planting Location Plan: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9056_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Detail Planting Plans 1 of 3: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9057_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Detail Planting Plans 2 of 3: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9058_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Landscape Detail Planting Plans 3 of 3: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9059_P01 (June 2025)
• Site Hard Landscape Layout: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9060_P02 (June 2025)
• Site Hard Landscaping Details Kerb Edges Plan: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9061_P02 (June 2025)
• Site Hard Landscaping Details Street Furniture: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9064_P02 (June 2025)
• Site Hard Landscaping Details Cycle Store: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-9065_P01 (June 2025)

 

Reason: To define the terms of the permission and ensure the development is carried out as approved.

 

PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT

 

3. Surface Water Drainage

No development shall commence until written evidence has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority demonstrating that the necessary permissions or rights have been obtained from the relevant third-party landowners to allow for the construction and maintenance of the proposed surface water drainage connection to the public sewer in Whittern Way. The drainage shall be implemented in full accordance with the submitted and approved details BLMS0601-HYD-52-NXX-D-C-7010 P05 & BLMS0601-HYD-52-NXX-D-C-7011 P05 and made available prior to first use of the development.

 

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory means of surface water drainage and to prevent flooding, in accordance with Policy SD3 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy.

 

4. Contamination

Development shall not commence until full design details and a full written technical specification of the soil gas protection scheme has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. This plan should include details of the means by which the gas protection measures will by independently validated together with a site specific validation plan for the implementation and validation of gas protection measures.

 

Upon completion of the agreed works, validation documentation shall be submitted to the local planning authority in accordance with the agreed details before the development is first occupied.  The validation report must be produced by a suitably qualified person. Any variation to the scheme including the validation reporting shall be agreed in writing with the local planning authority in advance of works being undertaken.

 

Reason: In the interests of human health and to comply with policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

COMPLIANCE/  CONSTRUCTION PERIOD

 

5.         Arboricultural Compliance

Except where otherwise stipulated by condition, the development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the following documents and plans, for the duration of the construction period?

:

 

 

Reason: To ensure that the development is carried out only as approved by the Local Planning Authority and to conform with Policies LD1 and LD3 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

6.         CEMP Compliance

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in full accordance with the approved Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) Revision 05, dated October 2025, including all appendices and referenced ecological method statements. The measures contained within the CEMP shall be implemented and adhered to throughout the construction period unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

 

Reason: To safeguard the amenity of the area, protect biodiversity, and ensure the development is carried out in an environmentally responsible manner, in accordance with Policies SD1 and LD2 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy.

 

PRIOR TO FIRST USE/OCCUPATION

 

7.         Parking, Drop-off, and Cycle Storage

Prior to first use of the development hereby approved, the parking, drop-off, and cycle storage facilities shown on the approved plans (BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0525-S2-P02 and BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0520-S2-P05) shall be provided and made available for use. These facilities shall be retained thereafter.

 

Reason: To ensure adequate parking and promote sustainable travel, in accordance with Policy MT1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-31.

 

8.         School Travel Plan

Prior to first use of the development hereby approved, an updated School Travel Plan, including the establishment and ongoing operation of a School Travel Plan Steering Group, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The Travel Plan shall be implemented as approved and monitored for a minimum of five years.

 

Reason: To promote sustainable travel and reduce congestion, in accordance with Policy MT1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-31.

 

9.         Acoustic Design Compliance

All recommendations outlined in Acoustic Design Report ref.BLMS0601-HYD-10-ZZ-T-AC-0001, dated 6th March 2025, shall be implemented and shall be completed before the use, hereby approved, is first commenced and shall be thereafter maintained.

 

Reason: In order to protect the amenity of the area and future users so as to comply with policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-31.

 

10.       Community Use Agreement (CUA)

Prior to first use of the development herby approved, a Community Use Agreement (CUA) prepared in consultation with Sport England shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The CUA shall include, but may not be limited to details of hours of use, management, pricing, and access arrangements. The approved CUA shall be implemented upon first use and adhered to thereafter.

 

Reason: To secure community access to the facility, in accordance with Policy SC1 and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

COMPLIANCE/OPERATIONAL

 

11.       Reinstatement post construction works

            Within one month of the completion of construction works (or prior to first use/occupation of the development, whichever is sooner), the site compound and all associated temporary works, structures, materials shall be removed from the site and the land shall be reinstated in accordance with a restoration scheme submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The restoration scheme shall include:

 

·       A condition survey of the affected playing field and/or MUGA prior to commencement of reinstatement works;

·       Details of reinstatement to at least equivalent quality;

·       A timetable for completion of restoration works (including a growing-in period for grassed areas).

 

Reason: To ensure the satisfactory restoration of the site and to protect the amenity and function of the school grounds, in accordance with Policies SD1 and OS3 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and Paragraph 104 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

12.       Landscape Implementation

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in full accordance with the approved Landscape Masterplan (drawing ref: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0520, Rev P05), Soft Landscape Layout (drawing ref: BLMS0601-AHR-30-ZZZ-D-L-0540, Rev P04), and Landscape Specification (ref: BLMS0601-AHR-10-LZZ-T-L-0610, P01) and related landscape details approved at Condition 2, or any subsequent details approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. All planting, seeding, and turfing comprised in the approved details shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the completion or first occupation of the development, whichever is sooner.

 

Reason: To ensure the satisfactory appearance of the development and to enhance biodiversity, in accordance with Policies LD1 and LD2 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy.

 

13.       External Lighting Compliance

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in full accordance with the approved external lighting plan (drawing ref: BLMS0601-HYD-55-Z00-D-ME-7001, Revision P05, by Stantec). No external lighting shall be installed except in accordance with the approved details. Any future external lighting must be designed to avoid adverse impacts on habitats and protected species, and details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to installation.

 

Reason: To protect habitats and species, in accordance with Policy LD2 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

14.       Surface Water Discharge Rate

Surface water flows from the development shall only communicate with the public surface water sewer through an attenuation device that discharges at a rate not exceeding 1.4 l/s.

 

Reason: To prevent hydraulic overloading of the public sewerage system and protect the environment.

 

15.       Site Compound Removal

Within one month of the completion of construction works (or prior to first use/occupation of the development, whichever is sooner), the site compound and all associated temporary works, structures, and materials shall be removed from the site. The land shall be reinstated to its former condition or in accordance with a scheme previously submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

 

Reason: To ensure the satisfactory restoration of the site and to protect the amenity and function of the school grounds, in accordance with Policies SD1 and OS3 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy.

 

16.       Landscape Maintenance

All planting, seeding, or turfing carried out as part of the approved landscaping scheme shall be maintained for a period of five years from the date of planting. Any trees, plants, or areas of seeding/turfing which, within this period, are removed, die, or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

 

Reason: To ensure the successful establishment and long-term retention of the approved landscaping, in accordance with Policies LD1 and LD2 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy.

 

                        INFORMATIVES:

 

1.	This permission will not be issued until the application has been referred to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2021, due to the statutory objection from Sport England.
2.	The applicant is advised that some conditions attached to this permission require the submission and approval of details prior to commencement of development. Failure to comply with these conditions may render the development unlawful.
3.	The applicant is reminded of their legal obligations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. If protected species are encountered during development, works must cease and advice sought from a qualified ecologist.

 

 

 

There was an adjournment at 12:52 p.m.; The meeting reconvened at 12:55 p.m.