Issue - meetings

Redevelopment of Woodside High School, to comprise demolition of part of existing central school block, erection of new two storey block fronting White Hart Lane, new three storey block at rear of site, covered walkways, parking and landscaping, and re-cladding of existing Block C. To incorporate Woodside High School, William C Harvey and Moselle Special Schools.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Grant permission subject to conditions.

Councillor PEACOCK ENTERED THE PROCEEDINGS AND COUNCILLOR DODDS RELINQUISHED THE CHAIR.

COUNCILLOR PEACOCK IN THE CHAIR

The Committee were advised that though there were no objectors  the Architect was present.  The Chair also advised that a Councillor in attendance as a Governor at the school would address the Committee.

In a brief introduction of the report officers advised the Committee that the application was for the redevelopment of Woodside High School, to comprise demolition of part of existing central school block, erection of new two storey block fronting White Hart Lane, new three storey block at rear of site, covered walkways, parking and landscaping, and re-cladding of existing Block C, and to incorporate Woodside High School, William C Harvey and Moselle Special Schools.  The Committee were adviosed that Woodside High School was situated on White Hart Lane. The site was bounded to the north by White Hart Lane, to the east and west by MOL playing fields and to the south by residential properties (Stirling Road). To the north of White Hart Lane was New River Sports Centre and Community Centre. The existing High School campus comprised of a mix of existing buildings, from 1 – 4 stories, with a range of age and condition. The original campus buildings were developed in the 1960’s.

The Chair then advised that Councillor Cooke would address the meeting.

In thanking the Committee for its indulgence Councillor Cooke commented that the planning application was the next process of the inclusive development of the existing schools and the inclusion of two special schools - William C Harvey and Moselle schools.  Councillor Cooke commented on the considerable amount of work undertaken by both the planners, and architect  and all those involved in bringing the proposals to this point and a huge amount of work with the 3 Head teachers, teachers and pupils, especially with the needs of both special schools and their inclusion on one campus, and that all concerned welcomed the proposals before the Committee and hoped that the Committee would grant the application.

The Chair thanked Councillor Cooke for his address.

The Committee then viewed the plans.

The Committee expressed concerns in regard to the new build roofs needing to be pitched, and reiterated the previous concerns in terms of maintenance and costs of the roof repair to the schools. Also the issue of the fencing on the boundary of the school being strengthened and in materials that could not be cut through needed addressing together with the overall  landscaping of the areas, especially around the frontage and the need for tree planting and shrubbery.

Officers responded that conditions and informatives could be added in terms of the boundaries.  With regard to the pitch of the new roofs the design of the roofs and their design was not in a sense a planning issue and a matter of design.

The Architect advised that there was work currently in hand to ensure the maintenance of the buildings, and they being in good repair for a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 214