Polam Hall school redevelopment at Polam Hall School, Blackwell, Darlington

What was proposed

The application proposed rebuilding the school, retaining and refurbishing parts of existing buildings, adding extensions, temporary accommodation, landscaping and a new MUGA.

“Planning permission is sought for the redevelopment of Polam Hall school to provide modern, practical teaching spaces. The proposal involves the partial demolition and partial retention and refurbishment of existing buildings, the erection of a single storey extension to Elm Grove (infant/junior school) and the erection of a two-storey extension to the main school building.”

“To remain operational during redevelopment, the proposal includes an on-site, 3-storey modular unit to house temporary accommodation for a period of approximately 3 years. This will provide teaching, learning and play spaces for infant, junior and secondary pupils, along with appropriate spaces for pupils to sit examinations, to ensure continuity of education throughout the redevelopment phases.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 7.8-hectare school site lies between Grange Road and the River Skerne, within the West End Conservation Area and including a Grade II listed hall.

“The application site comprises the existing Polam Hall School and grounds which extend to approximately 7.8 hectares. The site is bound to the north west by Grange Road (A167) and to the south east by the River Skerne. The site is predominantly surrounded by residential uses with properties to the north, east and west. Land adjacent and to the south comprises South Park with residential properties beyond. Access to the site is via…”

“The site is located within the West End Conservation Area and includes the Grade II listed Polam Hall, together with two non-designated heritage assets (‘NDHAs’) to west of the main Polam Hall School Building.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the educational, social, economic, environmental and heritage benefits would outweigh less-than-substantial harm.

“The proposed development is for the redevelopment of Polam Hall school on its existing site on Grange Road as part of the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme. The proposals seek to provide modern, fit for purpose educational and sports facilities to replace existing outdated facilities.”

“The proposed development would result in a degree of harm (less than substantial harm) to various designated and non-designated heritage assets as set out in the report. This requires a balanced judgement to be taken when assessing the level of harm against the public benefits presented.”

Officer report

Technical advice

Council specialists and statutory consultees raised no objections in principle, subject to conditions, while the Gardens Trusts expressed concerns about pitches and floodlighting.

“No objections in principle have been raised by the Council’s Highway Engineer, Transport Planning Officer, Environmental Health Officer, Ecologist, Arboricultural Officer, or the Lead Local Flood Authority, subject to conditions.”

“Durham County Council Archaeology raises no objection to the application. The Council’s Conservation consultant also raises no objection in principle subject to planning conditions. Historic England has no objection to the proposal on heritage grounds.”

Officer report

What residents said

Ten objection letters raised concerns about traffic, parking, construction, noise, floodlighting, community use, trees, drainage and residential amenity.

“Closure of Polam Road entrance and new access to primary school will push more traffic onto Marlborough Drive. Inconsiderate parking during drop off and pick up times already causes obstruction and inconvenience. Displacing access in this way will worsen these issues. Request that the Polam Road entrance be retained • Potential for construction vehicles to block the only entrance/exit to Marlborough Drive.”

“What peace may arise during school holidays will now be lost to construction noise • Roof level Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) with variable speed fans have the potential for unnecessary noise nuisance • Application quotes that school opening times will be extended and that the MUGA use will extend to external groups potentially resulting in noise nuisance into the late evening, early mornings and weekends • Significant traffic problems currently in Southend Avenue and…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the agent, the applicant and one objector.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to the listed conditions.

“RESOLVED – That Planning Permission be granted subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes