Agenda item

PERMISSION

Description of application – Demolition of existing buildings (Land adjacent to Edgebury Primary School) and erection of a single storey new SEND school with associated pedestrian and vehicular access works, car park, pick-up and drop-off space, outdoor play area, MUGA and landscaping.

Oral representations in objection to and in support of the application were received.

Oral representations from visiting Member, Councillor Kate Lymer – Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Families, in support of the application were also received at the meeting. Councillor Lymer advised that if the Sub-Committee refused or deferred this application there was a risk that the Department for Education may decide not to proceed with the scheme. There was a high risk that future investment into the Borough could be lost and it could jeopardise plans for a new secondary school and SEN Free School in Bromley. She therefore urged Members to approve the application.

In response to a question from Councillor Katy Boughey, the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Families said that the site had been allocated for a secondary school and the smaller scheme proposed would be a lot less disruptive for the local residents. A secondary school on the site could have up to 1,800 pupils plus staff, who would not be arriving on minibuses and would instead be making a large number of individual journeys each day.

The Development Management Team Leader reported that a number of further objections had been received and circulated to Members, as had a letter of support from Sir Bob Neill MP. Clarification was provided that the distance between the proposed building and rear boundaries of Edgebury was approximately 11.5 metres, and not 7 metres as stated in the report, and the carbon offsetting payment was £39,900. In response to a question from the Chairman it was further clarified that the existing vehicular access and new pedestrian access were both in designated green belt.

Councillor Boughey highlighted that this land had been designated in the Bromley Local Plan for secondary education, which could be used to house a school of up to six form entry. The location for the proposed school building had been chosen following a detailed feasibility study and was considered to be the best site based on its topography. The layout of the site had been designed to minimise disturbance to residents living on Edgebury. The main issue raised by residents had related to traffic and pedestrian and vehicular access – these had been considered and various option were explored. The decision had been made to utilise, upgrade and widen the existing track from Slades Drive to avoid the need to create a new access route, and would also allow minibuses to queue on-site rather than on the public highway. A pedestrian pathway would provide access from Edgebury for pupils and staff that cycled or arrived via public transport. The on-site parking provision would be for 100 parking spaces, 4 designated minibus parking spaces and a drop-off/pick-up area for 5 school minibuses, which was felt to be more than adequate. Councillor Boughey considered that the proposal was an acceptable use of the land and agreed with the recommendation to grant permission.

Councillor Suraj Sharma noted that this land had been designated for education and it was clearly demonstrated that there was a need for this type of provision. Although Councillor Sharma sympathised with local residents in terms of traffic flow, it was highlighted that 80% of pupils would be arriving at the school in minibuses and the school had attempted to mitigate traffic further with the use of staggered timings. The proposal was for the school to accommodate 100 students, whereas the site could be used to house a much bigger secondary school, which would have a much greater impact on the local area. Councillor Sharma also seconded the recommendation to grant permission.

The Chairman considered that the single storey building design chosen was sensitive, as were the access arrangements. It was noted that the number of pupils and staff at the school would not be increased and as the majority of pupils would arrive by minibus there would be far less traffic than at other schools. There was a need for this school to provide the best opportunities for the pupils, and the Chairman supported the recommendation to grant permission.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED, and SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR COMPLETION OF A LEGAL AGREEMENT as recommended, and subject to the conditions set out in the report of the Assistant Director, Planning.