Issue - meetings

The planning application was for the partial infill of the existing courtyard at Thorpe Primary School, Artherstone Avenue and the single storey rear extension and erection of a single storey teaching block. Associated alterations to the car park at the front of the site were also applied for, with an extension of the car park to the rear.

The main considerations were:

·         Principle of Development

·         Highways Impacts and Car Parking

·         Design and Layout

·         Landscape Impacts

·         Ecological Issues

·         Construction Management

·         Other Matters

It was officer’s recommendation that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Head of Development and Construction provided an overview of the application and raised the following key points:

·         The application had been deferred from a previous meeting of the Committee in order to consider impact on parking and congestion.

·         Four options had been outlined to mitigate any highways impact. Options C and D involved the loss of playing field areas and were not workable for the school. These options were unlikely to attract support from Sport England.

·         Option A provided a layby on Atherstone Avenue with space for two vehicles. As this option was on street and would have only a small impact, it was considered unsuitable.

·         Option B was recommended to the Committee. This provided a drop off area in the front car park with separate entryway and exitway.

·         As the expansion of the school would be phased, it was proposed that the need for a drop of provision be monitored at each phase.

·         A base line survey of traffic levels would be undertaken before and expansion occurred. After each expansion phase a further survey would take place to establish if any increase in traffic had resulted. Only if there was a significant increase, the drop off scheme would be implemented.

·         If the entire expansion was completed without a significant increase in traffic, the drop off scheme would not be actioned.

Councillor Fitzgerald, Ward Councillor, addressed the Committee and responded to questions from Members. In summary the key points highlighted included:

·         The Councillor had met with school parties.

·         The increase in pupil numbers would be phased over several years.

·         The options put forward to Committee show that further thought had been given to the highways impact of the proposals.

·         The options put forward represent a compromise.

·         If the area at the front of the school was needed it could be used, if the survey highlighted a more significant increase in traffic than expected.

·         Councillor Fitzgerald was reluctant to see the loss of a sporting site.

Peter Flewers addressed the Committee in objection to the application and responded to questions from Members. In summary the key points highlighted included:

·         Even if the increase in pupil numbers was phased, the traffic would still get worse.

·         Options A and B would provide insufficient mitigation.

·         If option D was not possible, option C would be preferable.

·         Attention was drawn to a traffic incident which had occurred in the area which had resulted in a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7

The planning application was for the partial infill of the existing courtyard, a single storey rear extension and erection of a detached single storey teaching block at Thorpe Primary School. Also included in the application was associated alterations to the car park at the front of the site and an extension of the car park to the rear.

The main considerations were:

·    The Principle of Development

·    Highways Impacts and Car Parking

·    Design and Layout

·    Landscape Impacts

·    Ecological Issues

·    Construction Management

·    Other Matters

It was officer’s recommendation that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the report and update report.

Principal Development Management Officer provided an overview of the application and raised the following key points:

·         It was considered that the trees populating the boundary of the site were worthy of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

·         The number of pupils was to increase to 680, with the number of teaching staff to increase to 92.

·         During construction works for the car park, access would be gained by Atherstone Avenue. Construction access in relation to building works would be from Ledbury Road.

·         The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) places weight on the need to expand schools.

·         The main basis for objection was in relation to traffic. A transport assessment identified that a lot of journeys to the school were made by car.

·         No objection had been raised by the Highways Authority. It was accepted that congestion would occur, but this did not result in any concerns for safety.

·         Methods to improve traffic have been informally explored, with consideration given to a possible lay by included in the scheme. However, it was believed that this would ultimately result in more congestion and was not supported by the Highways Authority.

·         The design was considered acceptable. Several alterations to conditions had been outlined in the update report, in response to comments from the Arboricultural Officer.

Councillors Arculus and Councillor Fitzgerald, Ward Councillors, addressed the Committee and responded to questions from Members. In summary the key points highlighted included:

·         The principle of development was not objected to, however the Councillors had concerns regarding traffic access.

·         The current amount out of traffic created by the school and residents was unsustainable and an increase of 540 journey would not be feasible.

·         More thought needed to be put into coming up with a ‘kiss and ride’ solution.

·         The policy of requesting travel plans was not workable and would not be enforced, as the travel plan currently in place had no great affect.

·         More consideration should be given to alternative traffic management proposals.

·         It appeared that protecting trees was of greater importance than people’s safety.

·         The Councillors felt that more traffic would result in a higher risk of accidents happening.

·         A ‘drop off’ system would help to alleviate the congestion in the morning rush.

Mr Peter Flewers addressed the Committee in objection to the application and responded to questions from Members. In summary the key points highlighted included:

·         The school provided sufficient places for the families  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8