Issue - meetings

This report informs the Executive of the outcome of the statutory proposals to alter Newfield Primary (Community) School through expansion by one form of entry from 05 September 2011. Representation period on the proposal ended on 30 December 2010. The report seeks Executive approval to permanently expand Newfield Primary School, conditional upon planning permission being granted.

(i)         that approval be given to the permanent expansion of Newfield Primary (Community) School by one form of entry from 05 September 2011, conditional upon the granting of full planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 30 April 2011;

(ii)        that it be agreed that the main factor for approving the alteration of Newfield Primary School is to provide permanent primary places in an area of the borough which has severe shortage of reception and year 1 school places.

Councillor Arnold (Lead Member, Children and Families) introduced the report from the Director of Children and Families and the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects which informed the Executive of the outcome of the statutory proposals to alter Newfield Primary (Community) School through expansion by one form of entry from 5 September 2011. The representation period on the proposal ended on 30 December 2010 and the report sought Executive approval to permanently expand Newfield Primary School, conditional upon planning permission being granted.

Earlier in the evening the Executive had received a petition from a representative of Mission Dine Centre who spoke against the expansion of the school as the plans involved the demolition of the centre which was adjacent. Councillor Arnold referred to the unprecedented demand for school places and the particular shortage in year one. The council had a statutory duty to provide places and she referred to the advantages of extending the school accommodation and its capacity to improve. Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Regeneration and Economic Development) expressed regret that the council had had to serve notice on the Mission Dine Centre and recognised their objectives which the council had supported for many years. He added that notwithstanding the outstanding rent the council would continue to work with the centre and help identify alternative accommodation but felt that the needs of the young people outweighed those of the centre.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that approval be given to the permanent expansion of Newfield Primary (Community) School by one form of entry from 5 September 2011, conditional upon the granting of full planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 30 April 2011;

(ii)        that it be agreed that the main factor for approving the alteration of Newfield Primary School was to provide permanent primary places in an area of the borough which has severe shortage of reception and year 1 school places.