Issue - meetings

Report ED14028

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report providing an update on progress in delivering the Basic Need Programme, which supported the provision of sufficient school places through improvements to and expansion of Bromley schools, and to set out the forward programme for the period 2014-17.  The report also outlined the current position of the expansion project at the Glebe School, and details of the proposed expenditure of Section 106 funding as part of the programme of improvements to and expansion of Bromley Schools.  The Basic Need Programme was fully funded by the Department for Education Basic Need Capital Grant.

The updated list of schemes within the Basic Need Programme had been developed to meet the estimated increase in the number of reception age pupils in the Borough from September 2014 onwards.  ‘Bulge years’ and permanent expansions were planned at a number of existing local schools to provide the required pupil places, which would be delivered through a combination of modular build and internal refurbishment. 

A feasibility study was also being undertaken to support the expansion of the Glebe School to provide an additional two forms of entry for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Options from the feasibility study would be reported to the Council’s Executive at its meeting on 2^nd April 2014, and approval would be sought to proceed to detailed design, planning submission and tender processes for the expansion, with the expectation of establishing an additional form of entry (8 pupils) at the Glebe School in September 2014, and a further form of entry in September 2015. 

In considering the report, the Chairman noted that there had been a deed of variation to Section 106 funds related to the Blue Circle site development.  The Head of Strategic Place Planning confirmed that a contribution of £500k would be made for education use, and that this would be provided in two payments of £250k.  There was no longer a requirement for a contribution to be made to a dual use facility.

In response to a question from a Co-opted Member, the Head of Strategic Place Planning confirmed that there was lower than expected demand for the additional places at the Glebe School for 2014/15, and that it was felt that one additional form of entry would be sufficient to meet demand for places.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

1)  Approve the updated list of schemes within the Basic Need Capital Programme;

2)  Recommend the Council’s Executive to release Section 106 funds for the projects set out in Appendix 2 to Report ED14028

3)  Agree the procurement  and award of contract of schemes within the Basic Need Programme through traditional procurement, the Lewisham Modular Buildings Framework or through devolution of Basic Need Capital Grant to schools; and,

4)  Authorise the Executive Director: Education, Care and Health Services to submit planning applications at the appropriate time in respect of the list of schemes.