Demolition of existing school building and erection of new school building and associated works
LOCAL MEMBERS: Councillor Nigel W
Pickavance and
Councillor Christopher J O’Neal
Minutes:
Demolition of the existing school building,
erection of a new school building and associated works.
Attention was drawn to the additional observations submitted.
(a) The Development Control Manager elaborated on
the background of the application, noting that it was a full application for
the construction of a new school building on the land of the existing school
and the demolition of the existing school once the new school had opened. It was also noted that the plans included substantial landscaping work,
provision of new playgrounds, accesses and new parking provision. It was
explained that the site was located within the Maesgeirchen
estate which was within the development boundaries of Bangor. The new school
would provide space for 210 children and 30 nursery spaces. Due to the steep
nature of the land the building would be on two levels in order to make the
best use of the land and current levels.
It was
added that the principle of the development was acceptable and complied with
the requirements of relevant policies. In the context of visual and residential
amenities it was noted that the site was located in a residential area with a
scattered mixture of community facilities throughout the estate. It was recognised that the existing school
building had reached the end of its lifespan and there was no design /
architectural reason to justify preserving the building.
When
considering the size, design and the proposed materials, it was not believed
that the proposal was likely to cause any significant harm to the visual
amenities of the local area. Observations had been received regarding shadowing
and loss of light, but given the current land levels, the location of the new
school and the sun's path, it was not considered that the location of the new
school would be likely to have a substantial detrimental impact on the
residential amenities of neighbouring houses nor create an oppressive feature.
It was recognised that there would be a period of unusual disturbance during
the construction phase; however, this was not sufficient to warrant refusing
the application and it was possible to include a condition to control this.
In the context of transportation and access matters,
it was highlighted that the department had had significant input to the
discussions prior to the submission of the application and in terms of
linguistic and community matters it was suggested that the development could
make an important contribution to the community and therefore contribute
towards protecting and strengthening the community’s social, linguistic and
cultural fabric.
Having considered the observations received, all
the policies and relevant planning matters it was not believed that the
development would have a significant negative effect on the area's visual and
residential amenities, road safety or biodiversity and in the context of
national policies it is not believed that the proposal was contrary to these
relevant policies.
(a)
It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.
(b)
During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made:-
·
Welcomed investment in the area
·
A new school would certainly raise the ambition and
confidence levels amongst the area's children
·
Disappointment that the Local Members were not
present to welcome and support the new school
RESOLVED to approve the
application:
Conditions
1. Time
2. In
accordance with the plans
3. Transport
conditions
4. Biodiversity
conditions (if necessary)
5. Submit
a detailed land drainage plan
6. Demolish existing school, restore land
and complete landscaping work within a reasonable period ( to
be agreed).
7. Submit
detailed plans of the bin storage area.
8. Working
hours during the construction period.
Supporting documents: