Community college redevelopment at Thurston Community College, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing the college buildings, adding sports facilities, playing fields, parking, landscaping and sixth-form accommodation in the library block.

“Development of Description Full Planning Application - Redevelopment of Thurston Community College to include demolition of the existing school buildings following the construction of a new replacement school building, including sports hall, provision of new playing fields and multi-use games areas, and associated car and cycle parking, access and landscaping and the alteration of the building known as the library block for use as a sixth form with students subsequently…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The existing school lies within Thurston’s settlement boundary, surrounded by housing, with buildings mainly beside Norton Road and Ixworth Road.

“Thurston Community College is an existing school site, set within the village of Thurston.”

“The site hosts the main bulk of its buildings on the south-eastern part of the site, adjacent to Norton Road and the corner of Ixworth Road at its junction with Norton Road with playing fields spanning to the west and north.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways requested deferral over coach movements, the Ixworth Road access and missing connections, while several consultees supported approval subject to conditions or further information.

“SCC Highways Comments; May 2026 Coach Movements The proposed new parking and drop-off area would introduce a dedicated bus drop-off facility with capacity for up to 12 buses. This represents a significant new movement demand on Ixworth Road with understanding that approximately 25 coaches serve the site when operational, which is confirmed by the current mode share at the school. Ixworth Road is a C-Class carriageway and is characterised by its narrow nature.”

“2024V1 level, the applicant will be required to install a ramped crossover and complete the access with a suitable wearing course and associated construction to an appropriate standard. These works should be secured by condition in the interests of safeguarding all highway users. Site Permeability The internal site layout should prioritise and support walking, wheeling and cycling by providing high-quality, segregated pedestrian and cycle routes.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A parish council representative and the applicant spoke, while the applicant’s architect answered questions and a ward member’s statement was read aloud.

What members discussed

Members discussed design, landscaping, community use, road safety, construction timing, the existing building’s condition, environmental performance, cycle parking and traffic management.

“Members debated the application on issues including: the design of the buildings, the proposed landscaping scheme, the potential community use of the facilities, road safety concerns, and the timing of the construction in relation to student exams.”

“Members continued to debate the application, discussing the demolition of the existing building which is no longer fit for its purpose, the improved environmental performance of the new building, the efficient use of the site, the location of visitor cycle parking, and traffic management.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Lawrence proposed approval in line with the amended officer recommendation, Councillor Ellkin seconded it, and Members voted unanimously.

“Councillor Lawrence proposed that the application be approved as detailed in the Officer recommendation contained within the tabled papers. Councillor Ellkin seconded the proposal.”

“The Area Planning Manager confirmed that concerns raised by Members over traffic management, cycle parking locations and lighting would be addressed by the proposed conditions.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members delegated authority to grant conditional permission after further information was submitted and the Chief Planning Officer was satisfied that outstanding matters were resolved.

“A. That Members delegate authority to the Chief Planning Officer to GRANT conditional planning permission subject first to:”

“The application is to be referred back to Planning Committee for determination where Members will be presented with a supplementary report by the Development Management (Planning) describing where it has not been possible to reach accord with the applicant such that the CPO is not unable to say he is satisfied and thereby feels he cannot exercise the delegated authority given to him by the Planning Committee.”

Minutes

Conditions and safeguards

The decision included conditions covering access, parking, construction, community use, lighting, sports, landscaping, archaeology, travel, drainage, ecology and cycle storage.

“Standard time limit • Approved drawings • Community Access Agreement • Construction Method Statement • Demolition Strategy Statement • No coach/bus parking in Ixworth Road parking areas. Only cars and mini-buses (up to 15 passengers excluding driver) scheme with appropriate signage making it clear cars are not permitted to drop off/collect from the Norton Road bus/coach parking area and bus/coaches not permitted to access the northern most car park (Ixworth Road) • Parish…”

“Tree planting and use of extra heavy standards in specific locations • Landscape protection period 5 years • Access and parking arrangements, delivery arrangements, including EV and cycle parking prior to new school building coming into use • Archaeological investigation • Sport England conditions • LLFA conditions • Phasing of building • Design of multi games area • Further detail as to sports hall design (interior) • Archaeology • Travel Plan • Community access plan…”

Minutes