Agenda item

Erection of building, associated external works, landscaping and car parking and demolition of 3 no. teaching blocks.

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding an application for the erection of building, associated external works, landscaping and car parking and demolition of 3 teaching blocks at Bishop Barrington School, Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland (for copy see file of Minutes).

S Pilkington, Senior Planning Officer provided a detailed presentation of the application which included a site location plan, demolition plan, proposed site plan, site sections and 3D proposed visuals of the site.

Councillor Kay informed the Committee that while he was not the Ward Member, he lived three minutes from the site.  While the proposed new school was an excellent opportunity for young people he expressed disappointment that school coaches would not alight within the curtilage of the large school grounds.  There were two schools opposite each other at this location and this resulted in a very bust 10 minutes at the start and finish of the school day when pupils were being transported.  Councillor Kay moved approval of the application.

Councillor Clare informed the Committee that the current school buildings were in a decrepit condition and seconded approval of the application.

Councillor Tinsley, local Member for the adjacent Electoral Division asked how school children would be accommodated while the demolition and construction works were being carried out.  Mr S Hunter, on behalf of the applicant, replied that the existing school would be operational throughoutt the construction period.

Upon a vote being taken it was

Resolved:

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