Science and library building at Magdalen College School, Oxford

What was proposed

The proposal would replace science buildings with a three-storey academic building containing science classrooms, a library and partnership space.

“Proposal Demolition of the existing Science Buildings. Partial demolition of the Quinn and 1928 Buildings. Erection of a three storey academic building (Use Class F1(a)). Installation of solar panels, alterations to landscaping and associated works. Provision of cycle parking (amended description)”

“This report considers the demolition of the existing Magdalen College School science buildings on Iffley Road and the replacement of these buildings with a new three storey building; the proposed building would provide science classrooms, the school library and a dedicated space for the school’s…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site forms part of the senior school beside Iffley Road, Cowley Place and The Plain, within the St Clements and Iffley Road Conservation Area.

“The southern corner of the senior school site contains a large area of tennis courts; beyond this lies an access road and playing fields belonging to Christchurch. Larger and more recent buildings on the MCS senior school site include the Michael Peagram Building (that provides the school’s offices) and the Rex Richards Sixth Form Building (which has a distinctive green copper roof); these later additions to the school site have been developed in the last twenty years.”

“The application site lies entirely within the St Clements and Iffley Road Conservation Area. The Conservation Area is characterised by the distinct areas of St Clements (formally a working class suburb of Oxford) and Iffley Road (which contained grander houses enjoying views to the meadows).”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications at the school included permissions for teaching accommodation, laboratories, extensions, a sports hall and other school buildings.

“71/24594/A_H - Erection of additional teaching accommodation comprising classrooms music room and science laboratories with connecting links at Magdalen College School. PERMISSION GRANTED 27th July 1971.”

“90/00064/NFH - Erection of 3 new teaching laboratories (plus ancillary accommodation) as an extension to existing buildings on Iffley Road frontage at Magdalen College School (amended plans). PERMISSION GRANTED 16th March 1990.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Approval was recommended because the design, amenity, transport and other impacts were acceptable, with heritage harm outweighed by education and partnership benefits.

“The proposed development is situated within the St Clements and Iffley Road Conservation Area and would be visible from a number of designated view cones (including South Park) and views from key vantage points in the City Centre (notably the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin). The proposals would also lead to impacts to non-designated heritage assets.”

“Officers recommend that the development is acceptable in terms of its high quality design, impact on heritage assets and impact on neighbouring amenity. Other matters can be adequately resolved by condition.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways objections were withdrawn after further information, while other consultees raised no objections subject to conditions and residents raised transport, pollution, noise and construction concerns.

“Original comments included objections relating to the need to provide trip data arising from increased potential transport impacts of the development. Other comments relating to servicing and construction impacts. Following the submission of additional information the objections were withdrawn. Comments are summarised below:”

“Officers have sought additional information to resolve issues raised during the course of the consideration of this application including revised flooding/drainage details and information relating to the highways impacts of the proposed development. Conditions as suggested by consultees as listed above are included in the officer recommendation. The matters raised in consultation are discussed in the officer report below.”

Officer report

What people said

Objectors raised concerns about traffic, pollution, noise, access, parking, public transport and construction, while other comments also mentioned traffic, pollution and noise.

“The objection comments can be summarised as follows: - Effect on pollution - Effect on traffic - Local plan policies - Noise and disturbance - Access impacts - Parking provision - Public transport impacts/accessibility - Construction traffic should be limited to being only allowed outside of peak times. - School need to encourage more cycling - Ban left turns from Iffley Road into Cowley Place - Impacts during construction…”

“The comments can be summarised as follows: - Effect on pollution - Effect on traffic - Noise and disturbance - Construction traffic should be limited to being only allowed outside of peak times.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two supporters spoke in favour of the application, and officers and the applicant answered committee questions.

What members discussed

Members discussed construction controls, the partial demolition of the 1928 building, outreach commitments, heritage harm, landscaping and tree retention.

“The Committee asked questions about the details of the application which were responded to by officers and the applicant. The Committee’s discussions included, but were not limited to: • Concerns were raised around construction traffic management during demolition and building works, with questions around delivery hours and controls. The Development Management Team Leader responded that these would be regulated by conditions.”

“The Development Management Team Leader acknowledged that there was less than substantial harm but emphasised that public benefits outweighed the harm. The partial loss of the 1928 building was also considered to be harmful but outweighed by public benefits. In considering this matter officers pointed out that the 1928 building has already been partially demolished previously. • Concerns were raised about the landscaping and tree retention.”

Minutes

The vote

The Committee agreed with the recommendation to approve the application.

“On being proposed, seconded, and put to the vote, the Committee agreed with the officer’s recommendation to approve the application for the reasons listed on the report.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was approved subject to conditions and a unilateral undertaking, with authority delegated to finalise them and issue permission.

“The Oxford City Planning Committee resolved to: 1. Approve the application for the reasons given in the report and subject to the required planning conditions set out in section 12 of this report and grant planning permission subject to the satisfactory completion of a unilateral undertaken between the applicant and Oxfordshire County Council to secure the planning obligations set out in the recommended heads of terms which are set out in this report; and 2.”

Minutes