Agenda item

Erection of school building with associated parking and landscaping, construction of multi-use games area following demolition of existing school building (resubmission).  [Holgate Ward] [Site Visit].

Members considered a major full application (13 weeks) by Dr J Whiston for the erection of a school building with associated parking and landscaping and the construction of a multi-use games area following the demolition of the existing school building (resubmission).

Officers advised the Committee that the description in the report should read “erection of school building with associated parking and landscaping, construction of multi-use games area, and part demolition of the existing school building (resubmission)”. They also advised that any references in the report to “Hamilton Road” should read “Hamilton Drive” They advised Members of the need for an additional condition for a travel plan and stated  that condition 23 should be removed as the content was covered by another condition and that condition 26 be revised.

Representations were received from the Head of Our Lady’s and English Martyrs’ Federation in favour of the application. He explained that the two schools had a long history between them but a few years ago the task of recruiting new heads for both schools had proved problematic and the federation was created. He stated that the new combined school building would provide the opportunity for increased community engagement and would become a great asset to the community as well as preparing children well for their future through a sound catholic education.

Members agreed that the proposed new building was exciting, which, including outdoor classrooms and garden/allotment areas, would provide the space and environment which would enthuse children to learn.

They noted the objection from a neighbour on the grounds of overlooking from the balcony but were of the opinion that the school boundary by the beck to the property in question was high and fairly densely planted so any overlooking shouldn’t be any different than at present.

They expressed their main concern as traffic. They noted that the area was already busy at school drop off/collection times and acknowledged that with it being a catholic school it attracts children from further a field who would not necessarily be able to walk or cycle to school. However they agreed that with a travel plan and appropriate traffic regulations in the vicinity of the school, traffic problems would be no worse than at other schools.

RESOLVED:

That the application be approved subject to the conditions listed in the report, the removal of condition 23 as listed in the report and the amended and additional conditions listed below.

Amended Condition

All areas used by vehicles shall be surfaced, sealed and positively drained within the site, in accordance with a timescale to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To prevent the egress of water and loose material onto the public highway.

Additional Condition

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the School Travel Plan Framework Revision B received 9 July 2010. The submitted travel plan shall be implemented in accordance with the timescale within the travel plan. Within 12 months of occupation of the site a first year travel survey shall have been submitted and approved in writing by the LPA. Results of yearly travel surveys shall then be submitted annually to the authority's travel plan officer for approval.

Reason: To ensure the development complies with advice contained in PPG13-Transport, and in Policy T20 of the City of York Local Deposit Draft Local Plan, and to ensure adequate provision is made for the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, cycles and other modes of transport to and from the site, together with provision of parking on site for these users.

REASON:

The proposal, subject to the conditions listed in the report and the amended and additional conditions above, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to the principle of the proposal, design and landscape considerations, highway issues, impact on the amenity of the occupants of the surrounding dwellings, playing field provision and community use, drainage/flood risk, sustainability. As such the proposal complies with Policies GP1, GP3, GP4a, GP9, GP11, GP15a, NE1, NE7, T13a and ED1 of the City of York Council Development Control Local Plan, and national planning guidance set out in PPS1 and PPS25.