Nature studies classroom at Foresters Primary School, Wallington

“The proposal is acceptable in land use terms as it would continue to improve the school’s educational facilities for pupils. It creates an outdoor educational space to incorporate nature studies into students’ learning that also serves as a shelter for nature-related activities during inclement weather.”

“The proposal does not result in harm to the amenity of neighbouring properties or the future occupiers and would provide a satisfactory level of outdoor space for current and future students of the School.”

“The following internal consultees were consulted and the comments are listed in the table below:”

“Highways Engineer No objection to the proposal. Tree Officer No objection to the proposal. Biodiversity Officer No comment received. Environmental Health Team No objections to the proposal. Planning Enforcement No comment received.”

“Unneighbourly and unfair choice of location for an outbuilding close to and along the shared boundary with No. Waterer Rise. The outbuilding compromises the security of the Occupiers at this property. The Applicant’s decision to build within 2 metres of the shared boundary is not restricted by the Planning Legislation unless this proximity results in adverse impact on the amenities of the neighbouring properties.”

“Installation of Heat Pump An air conditioning unit installed facing the rear garden of No. Waterer Rise and then moved on the east wall of the outbuilding upon request of the Occupiers at this property. Revised plans were received on 17 September 2025. These drawings omit the air conditioning unit and the Applicant has confirmed that no air conditioning is proposed. Recent site photographs received on 1st October 2025 confirm this statement.”

“In response to questions, officers confirmed that a permanent screening had been added in negotiation with the applicant and was subject to a condition. It was explained that the applicant had been willing to consider a natural screening rather than a synthetic material.”

“A poll vote on the officers’ recommendation to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions attached at Appendix B, was held in accordance with Standing Order 31.4, when there voted:”

“DM2025/00846 FORESTERS PRIMARY SCHOOL, REDFORD AVENUE, WALLINGTON, SM6 9DP (Committee Report) Councillor Jayne McCoy For Councillor Richard Clifton For Councillor Sam Cumber For Councillor Sam Martin For Councillor Patrick Ogbonna For Councillor Eric Allen For Councillor Patrick Magnus For Councillor Tony Shields For Councillor Tim Foster For Councillor Gemma Munday For Agreed…”

“Retention of outbuilding with screening to provide a nature studies classroom.”

“Trellis Screening (5) Within 6 months of the date of this decision, details of a privacy trellis screening to the timber fence on northern boundary with No. Waterer Rise for the entire width of the outbuilding must be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing, and the approved privacy measures installed and retained in perpetuity. The existing privacy screen installed on the north side of the existing veranda must be retained in perpetuity.”