Primary school rebuild at Moorfield Primary School, Hazel Grove, Stockport

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing school, building a replacement school with a MUGA and heat pumps, and providing temporary classrooms and parking.

“Planning permission is sought under this Public Services Infrastructure Development application for the phased demolition of the existing school buildings at Moorfield Primary School, and the construction of a replacement school that includes a new part single, part two storey school building, installation of Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP), a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and a sub-station. Changes to the external access points and car park layout.”

“The phased development of this site also includes a proposed temporary car park upon a site opposite the school site off Lyndhurst Avenue, given the majority of the current car park would be unavailable. It is proposed to improve the drainage of this temporary car park site; surface the predominantly grassed area for car parking with temporary track matting; secure and improve the existing access; retain all of the existing trees; and provide approx.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site includes the primary school and grassed land opposite, within a residential area where some land is designated Local Open Space and may experience surface-water flooding.

“As can be appreciated from the submitted application site edged in red, the application site comprises the Moorfield Primary School site, where it is proposed to rebuild the school, and an area of Council owned land, opposite the school site, off Lyndhurst Avenue, where it is proposed to site a temporary car park.”

“The site is located adjacent to Hazel Grove High School, and also Laurus Grace Alternative Provision (AP) School, to the south. There is overlap between the playing field areas of Moorfield Primary and Hazel Grove High, including pitches, which are not proposed to change as part of the application for Moorfield Primary School.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, transport, environment, arboriculture, archaeology, Sport England and Manchester Airport raised no objections subject to conditions, while ecology required licensing evidence.

“Various Informatives to be included in the decision notice regarding Highways advice and guidance regarding discharging conditions, and also to advise that in addition to planning permission, the applicant / developer would need to separately enter into a Section 278 Agreement, under the Highways Act 1980, with respect to the required / approved highways works. The Agreement will need to be in place prior to the commencement of any works.”

“SMBC Environment Team (Air Quality) – No objections. Request condition. • CEMP - a pre-commencement condition is required for submission and approval of a detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) by the Local Planning Authority, prior to commencement of demolition or construction activities. SMBC Environment Team (Land Contamination) – No objections, subject to a condition regarding the submission of a validation report for approval.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents objected to temporary parking, flooding, loss of open space, construction traffic, noise, trees, highway safety, dust, property damage and inadequate consultation.

“Construction period plans are unworkable, including the use of the waterlogged field for car parking. Parking will result in the surrounding residential streets. • Require further details of the temporary car park, including nature of vehicles, hours of use, lighting, pollution and tree protection measures.”

“Highways during construction period • Driveways will be used for turning. • H-Bar markings should be proposed. • The residential streets are already heavily congested. HGVs and school traffic is a major safety hazard. A delivery management plan must be enforced. HGVs must be entirely banned from the local road network during peak times. The total number of HGV trips must be capped. • 50 plus construction workers and their vehicles will create a parking nightmare.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident spoke against the application, while the agent supported the rebuild, temporary arrangements, tree retention, reinstatement and future community facilities.

The committee decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions, a legal agreement for biodiversity monitoring costs and receipt of great crested newt licensing evidence.

“RESOLVED - That planning permission be granted subject to:-”

“(2) The completion of a legal agreement regarding the fee for monitoring on-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of £11,453.00, and;”

Minutes