Issue - meetings

This report provides members with an update on the proposed development of the Fulford School expansion scheme. It sets out the amount of Basic Need funding required for the scheme and provides details on proposed plans for the provision of additional accommodation on the school site.

Resolved:  (i)      That approval be given to allocate £6m from the Basic Need Capital Scheme in the Children, Education and Communities Capital Programme to provide additional accommodation at Fulford School (phase 2).

Reason:     To enable the council to meet its statutory responsibility to provide sufficient school places.

                   (ii)      That approval be given to allocate an additional £500k from the Basic Need budget to ensure that the proposed phase 2 expansion of Fulford School meets the council’s policies around sustainable buildings, ensuring BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent.

Reason:     To enable the council to meet the policies set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

The Corporate Director of Children, Education and Communities presented a report which provided an update on the proposed development of the Fulford School expansion scheme and sought approval to allocate funding for phase 2 of the scheme. 

The expansion was required to address a significant deficit of secondary school places in the South East York Planning Area. Executive had approved a Basic Need budget of £6m for the scheme on 18 July 2019 and allocation of funding for phase 1 on 7 May 2020 (Minutes 18 and 117 respectively of those meetings refer). Subject to Executive approval and planning consent, it was hoped that work could start on site in June 2021, for completion by September 2022.

In view of the requirements of the climate change policies in the Local Plan, Members were asked to consider the following options for the Phase 2 permanent building, as detailed in paragraphs 31-50 of the report:

Option 1 – Achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status (estimated extra cost - £500k).  This would meet requirements, offset capital costs by revenue savings, and have a positive environmental impact.

Option 2 – Achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ status (estimated extra cost - £260k).  This would partially meet requirements, and be less beneficial in terms of revenue savings and environmental impact.

Option 3 – build in line with current building regulations (no extra cost).  This would not meet requirements, risking refusal of planning permission.

With reference to matters raised under Public Participation, the Chair acknowledged the importance of addressing longstanding access issues to the site during the planning process, and keeping local residents updated and involved.

Resolved:  (i)      That approval be given to allocate £6m from the Basic Need Capital Scheme in the Children, Education and Communities Capital Programme to provide additional accommodation at Fulford School (phase 2).

Reason:     To enable the council to meet its statutory responsibility to provide sufficient school places.

                   (ii)      That approval be given to allocate an additional £500k from the Basic Need budget to ensure that the proposed phase 2 expansion of Fulford School meets the council’s policies around sustainable buildings, ensuring BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent (Option 1).

Reason:     To enable the council to meet the policies set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.