Temporary school building at Rivers Academy, Tachbrook Road, Feltham

What was proposed

A temporary three-storey modular school building would provide classrooms and staff facilities on the playing fields for a total of 153 weeks.

“Figure 1: Site location plan 2.2 The site is designated as Local Open Space and lies within an Archaeological Priority Area (Hounslow APA 2.5 London to Silchester Roman Road). The site has a PTAL rating of 1b, indicating poor public transport accessibility, although it is within walking distance of several bus routes. Feltham Railway Station is approximately 1.2 km away.”

“Temporary playing pitches will be marked out on the remaining field space, and the existing MUGA courts to the southwest corner will be retained. No car parking is proposed on-site, and staff will use parking provisions on the main school site. Application site- playing fields Main school site- redevelopment works subject to separate planning application (P/2025/1058)”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the educational need, temporary nature, playing-field reinstatement and safety measures sufficient to justify approval despite the open-space policy position.

“P/2025/1058). Given the significant need for educational places, the merits of the proposal, and policy support for provision of new education places, it is considered that the circumstances warrant departure from the Local Open Space policy of the Local Plan.”

“Environmental considerations • Fire safety • Equalities duties implications • Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) 8.0 ASSESSMENT Principle of Development 8.1 The NPPF (paragraph 100) ‘gives(s) great weight to the need to create, expand or alter schools’.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Sport England, Transport for London and the Greater London Authority raised no objection, while Thames Water’s requested conditions were secured.

“CONSULTATIONS 5.1 529 neighbouring properties were consulted by letter dated 14/04/2025. Site notices were posted on 26/04/2025. Two objections were received pertaining to: • building design and massing • harm to neighbouring amenities due to loss of light, privacy, • increased noise and disturbance, • increased impact on traffic and on-street parking provisions 5.2 These have been addressed within various sections of the assessment below.”

“GLA reviewed the scheme and given the nature of the temporary proposals, conclude that the proposals do not give rise to any strategic planning issues. Local Planning Authority to determine the application without further reference to the GLA. Sport England- No objection, subject to conditions. Sport England is a statutory consultee on all applications affecting playing pitches.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The presenting officer answered members’ questions, and Councillor Dan Bowring spoke during debate in support of approval.

Committee discussion

Members discussed road safety, crossing arrangements, school access, the temporary programme and the reinstatement of the playing field.

“Work was expected to start from November 2025 and this would include setting up the site for the temporary school before work commenced on the main school site. Work was to last approximately three years. The temporary school would be in place for 153 weeks in total, including setting up and dismantling.”

“Officers had reviewed arrangements for site access and management, including parents’ car pick ups/drop offs and students’ cycle and pedestrian access for the temporary school throughout the period and had also requested further details of conditions regarding site access and safeguarding aspect for the children.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted unanimously for approval, with twelve votes in favour, none against, no abstentions and one member ineligible to vote.

“Cllr Bowring moved approval of the officer’s recommendations for item 6, seconded by Cllr John Stroud-Turp. Members voted to approve the Application unanimously, with one member ineligible to vote having left the room during the presentation.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was approved subject to completing a legal agreement and applying the recommended conditions.

“Resolved – that planning permission for planning application P2025/1058, erection of a three storey school building with a single storey sports block and demolition of blocks EFAA, EFAB, EFAC, EFAD and EFAF with the refurbishment of block EFAE and improvements to access, landscaping and associated infrastructure was approved subject to the completion of a S106 agreement and recommended conditions.”

Minutes