Agenda item

Demolition of existing school and erection of new school and associated works.

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding an application for the demolition of existing school and erection of a new school and associated works at Vane Road Primary School, Newton Aycliffe (for copy see file of Minutes).

C Teasdale, Strategic Principal Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation on the application which included a site location plan, photographs and the site layout.

Following a query from Councillor Patterson, the Committee was informed that the redevelopment of the school would be funded by the Education Funding Agency.

Councillor Tinsley welcomed the proposals and made the comment that school architecture was critical in the development of any new school as it would define children’s education for many years to come, and hoped that the best possible solutions had been secured.

Councillor Clare confirmed that there had been extensive consultation on the building design. This school was only 1 of 2 of buildings of this type left in existence.

Councillor Atkinson fully supported the proposals. This school had been in existence since 1962 and had educated many local children but the building was outdated. The scheme would be of benefit to the whole community and he urged Members to approve the application. The children were a credit to the community and a new school would help to contribute to their future.

Councillor Atkinson moved and Councillor Clare seconded approval of the application. 

Upon a vote being taken it was Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the conditions contained in the report.