Issue - meetings

Erection of double height space linking existing school block to a new Library space at first floor. Erection of extension to existing technology block, comprising two classrooms in single storey structure. Recladding to some areas of existing school facade. New landscaping with covered walkways and updated parking facilities.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions

The Committee were advised that the proposal was for the erection of double height space linking existing school block to a raised Library space (Proposed); erection of extension to existing technology block, comprising two classrooms of single storey structure; Recladding to some areas of existing school façade; and new landscaping with covered walkways and updated parking facilities. The works also included the the provision of a new external fire escape stair to the west end of Block A2. The proposed works had been amended from that which was originally proposed. These amendments were primarily in relation to the proposed tree removal and on-site car parking adjacent to Trulock Road. These aspects of the original scheme had now been removed.

The proposed development essentially included a mix of new build, remodelling and refurbishment to the two existing schools. A main design aspect of this development scheme had been the grouping of classrooms within departments to create a ‘hub’ and to foster ownership as well as circulation. Approximately 370m² of existing school buildings are to be demolished, with a new build area of 816m². The proposed works would result in a net increase of 6% of the existing floorspace of the two schools. Further, approximately 3772m² of the existing school was to be remodelled and 2041m² was to be refurbished.

The Chair advised that she was declaring a personal and prejudicial interest in the item as her daughter was the assistant Head Teacher at the school.  The Chair advised that she would relinquish the Chair and take no further part in the discussion of the item, and left the proceedings.

Councillor Mallett also declared an interest in this item, and the following item as a Member of the BSF, and left the proceedings.

The Committee then viewed the plans.

Councillor Dodds took the Chair.

COUNCILLOR DODDS IN THE CHAIR

The Head of Legal Services representative clarified, when asked, that in the absence of the Chair the Vice or Deputy Chair automatically took the Chair if they were present.

The Committee then raised concerns in relation to the materials to be used as wood cladding and the need to ensure a negligible costs in terms of maintenance etc and whether the proposed wood material could be treated in coated fashion requiring less maintenance, together with the need to ensure the least amount of disruption to the school by the erection of scaffolding during school terms.  The Committee also commented on the issue of the proposed roof pitch and the need to ensure a pitched as opposed to a flat roof on all of the new build as this attributed a maintenance cost which would be borne by the schools themselves and would be an added expense both short and long term.  The wider landscaping of the site and relocation of the fish pond would be welcomed, and the car park could be landscaped with trees, as well as improving the frontage by additional trees/shrubs at the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 213