New secondary school at Bramhall High School, Bramhall, Stockport

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing most school buildings with a new school, sports facilities, playing fields, access arrangements, parking and landscaping.

“Planning permission is sought under this Public Services Infrastructure Development application for the demolition of the existing school buildings (except the retained Maths Block) at Bramhall High School and the construction of a replacement school that includes a new part 3 storey, part 2 storey main building and attached sports hall, the formation of replacement playing fields, 2 no.”

“The proposed new school would serve the same number as existing pupils of 1,350 children aged 11-16. The new school would also employ the same number of staff as the existing school, with 142 full time employees. The application also confirms that the school operating hours would remain the same. The position of the proposed new school buildings is in a different location to the siting of the current high school buildings.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 14.6-hectare school site lies beside a nature reserve, allotments and homes, with existing buildings, sports areas and playing fields.

“The application site comprises some 14.6ha of land that is comprised of the existing Bramhall High School buildings, parking areas and playing fields. The site is located on the northern side of Seal Road and is bounded by Happy Valley Local Nature Reserve (LNR) to the north, the allotments to the far eastern boundary and residential properties on all other sides. Access to the site is via multiple vehicular and pedestrian entry points all on Seal Road.”

“The site currently accommodates a variety of buildings of differing heights, scales, designs and materials. The buildings are mostly clustered together towards the western end of the site with the large playing field area being to the east and north. There is an open hardcourt area, two fenced MUGAs, and an all-weather hockey pitch, which is lit and enclosed.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and consultation

The site has a long history of school-related works, including temporary buildings permitted in 2024, and the applicant carried out public consultation before applying.

“There are a significant number of historic applications at this site relating to the ongoing operations at this established high school site, including extensions, new classroom buildings, temporary prefabricated classrooms, solar PV panels, car parking and access routes, new all-weather pitches and associated floodlighting for community use, elevational alterations and external works such as ramps, canopy over existing hardstand play area, boundary treatments, new roof…”

“A Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) has been submitted to accompany this application, which details the public consultation that was carried out by the applicant ahead of submitting this application for the development proposed. This is an important element of the planning process and the determination of this application.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the school was supported in principle, the Green Belt and sports impacts were acceptable, and other effects could be controlled by conditions.

“The application site is designated as Green Belt, however most of the site is allocated as Major Existing Developed Sites in the Green Belt (Policy GBA1.7) and has been occupied by a high school for many years. On this basis, the proposed education development is supported in principle subject to all other material planning considerations.”

“Furthermore, the application has been submitted with a Grey Belt Assessment statement, which concludes that the site can be regarded as Grey Belt under paragraph 155 of the NPPF. The Local Planning Authority agrees with this assessment and conclusions. The application site is identified as grey belt land in the LUC Review.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Highways, environmental health, nature, drainage, transport and other consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while Sport England requested further details.

“Based on the details provided, Sport England does not object, subject to conditions, as it has been demonstrated that the proposal, although not meeting any of the exceptions to Sport England’s Playing Fields Policy due to playing field loss, is considered to offer wider benefits and improvements to sports provision to accord with paragraph 104 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).”

“Further details of provision have been requested. The applicant has provided further details and Sport England were reconsulted. Discussions remain ongoing with Sport…”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents supported the school’s need and community benefits but objected to traffic, parking, construction, wildlife, noise, lighting, privacy and loss of green space.

“Traffic – drop off procedures, increased traffic, congestion and noise, cars parking on neighbouring roads and blocking driveways. • Matters made worse by Ladybrook Primary School • The existing bus loop should be extended with several exit routes to ease the situation • Car head lights are constantly shining directly into properties and it should be proposed that the new road be diverted further away from the properties • Where the bus route in use at present is more…”

“The increased construction activity, noise, and human presence would further disturb the wildlife living in Happy Valley. • The ecological implications of the proposal require thorough assessment and robust mitigation, which does not appear to be adequately addressed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No member of the public spoke against the application; the planning agent and a representative of the construction company spoke in favour.

What members discussed

Members supported the replacement school but stressed construction safeguards, community use, keeping roads clear and the lack of planned future pupil expansion.

“In terms of debate, Members commented on the privilege of getting a new school in the area and wished to support the application. It was commented that this had been awaited for a long time and it would be great to see this finally happen. However, it was highlighted that the application was a like-for-like replacement school that is not designed to cater for an increase in pupil numbers in the future.”

Officer report

The vote

Members unanimously referred the application for approval to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee.

“Members unanimously resolved to refer the application to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee with a recommendation for approval.”

Officer report

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions and a legal agreement securing £13,902 for long-term monitoring of biodiversity habitats.

“Planning & Highways Regulation Committee - 13 August 2026 building and attached sports hall; formation of replacement playing fields, 2no. MUGA's and a 3G football pitch; provision of new car park, cycle parking, bus waiting area; and ancillary works at Bramhall High School, Seal Road, Bramhall, it was…”

“RESOLVED - That planning permission be granted subject to the imposition of conditions and the completion of a legal agreement securing a commuted sum of £13,902 to fund long-term monitoring of on-site biodiversity net gain (BNG) compensatory habitats.”

Minutes