School redevelopment at Holy Trinity C of E School, Gossops Green, Crawley

The site and surroundings

The school site contains teaching and sports buildings, playing fields, parking and accesses, and is bordered by residential areas, trees and watercourses.

“The site contains the Holy Trinity Church of England Secondary School, which is voluntary aided, off Buckswood Drive in the neighbourhood of Gossops Green. It consists of seven teaching/physical education blocks, a pair of semi-detached houses (one currently used by the caretaker and the other permitted for use for special educational needs), hard play areas, playing fields and provision for vehicle parking.”

“The playing fields are owned by West Sussex County Council (together with a small part of the developed area on the western and southern sides of the site) and are identified as a Biodiversity Opportunity Area under Policy EN2 of the Local Plan.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications since 2007 covered staff accommodation, a storage extension, gym refurbishment, fencing, canopies and a refectory building.

“The school was originally built in 1969. The following applications have been submitted since 2007:”

“CR/2019/0089/FUL: Refurbishment of gym including external fabric and glazing system. New entrance, storage and accessible WC in ancillary accommodation and demolition of remaining ancillary accommodation.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers supported the redevelopment because it would provide improved educational facilities and capacity, better design, access, sports provision and landscaping, with effects mitigated by controls.

“There is a need for improved facilities at the school, both due to the poor state of the existing buildings and for an expansion to accommodate the planned increase in the number of pupils. Secondary schools form part of the town’s infrastructure and Policy IN1 of the Local Plan seeks to protect existing infrastructure where it contributes to the neighbourhood or town overall.”

“In considering these matters, there is a strong case for the proposed development and therefore, the principle of the proposed redevelopment of the school for educational purposes with additional capacity, is supported by Local Plan policies.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees generally raised no objections, subject to conditions, while two residents objected over amenity, construction, traffic, parking, sports use, scale and road safety.

“GAL Aerodrome Safeguarding No objections, subject to conditions. WSCC Highways No objections, subject to conditions. CBC Drainage Officer No objections subject to conditions. CBC Arboricultural Officer Comments that the proposal is acceptable. CBC Sustainability Team No objections. CBC Environmental Health Officer No objections, subject to conditions. Crawley Cycle & Walking Forum No comments received. CBC Refuse & Recycling Team Comments provided. 9.”

“The occupier of Red Tiles objects on the following grounds: (1) A direct impact on his home and lifestyle, as the school is directly behind his back garden. As such, there would be more noise, disruption and concerns over privacy. (2) Long-term noise and construction disruption, as the proposal would be phased. No information on how residents will be protected regarding noise and dust or when the hours of working would be. (3) Lack of proper engagement.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A neighbour spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support of the school redevelopment and its proposed controls.

Committee discussion

Members welcomed the school improvements but remained concerned about road safety near the roundabout and asked for monitoring of traffic and safety measures.

“Committee members raised concerns regarding the safety of the roads surrounding the school, in particular that the proposed access could create an increase in students attempting to cross Horsham Road at the Bewbush/Broadfield roundabout, which was considered unsafe. It was queried as to whether this had formed part of West Sussex County Council’s (WSCC) highways officers’ transport assessment and whether extra traffic controls or pedestrian crossings were considered.”

“In response to further queries from Committee members, officers provided the following clarifications during the discussion: • Condition 4 required the submission of a Dust Management Plan to control dust levels during the construction period.”

Minutes

The vote

The recommendation to permit was moved by Councillor Rana and seconded by Councillor Bidwell before the committee voted.

“The Committee then moved to a vote on the recommendation set out in the report. The recommendation was moved by Councillor Rana as the Chair and seconded by Councillor Bidwell as the Vice-Chair.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee permitted the application subject to the conditions in the report, as amended during the meeting.

“Permit subject to the conditions set out in report PES/506b (as amended).”

Minutes

Conditions and legal agreement

The permission was subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement covering sports management, community use, employment and ecological enhancements.

“Permit subject to a Section 106 legal agreement to secure the following:”

Officer report