New primary school at Russell Scott Primary School, Denton

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing buildings and building a two-storey primary school with parking, access, sports facilities, landscaping and associated works.

“Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a two-storey primary school, with parking and access, play and sports facilities including a Multi-Use Games Area and football pitch, landscaping, and other associated works.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The school site is in a mixed-use area, with housing to the north, industry to the east, a retail park to the south and schools to the west.

“The site relates to Russell Scott Primary School, Clare Street, Denton within the Denton North East Ward. The school comprises a predominately single storey building of a modern design and external appearance and situated in a mixed-use area comprising commercial and residential uses.”

“The Site is bounded by residential properties to the north and light industrial uses to the east, which is separated from the Site by an area of tree cover. To the south, the Site is bound by Crown Point Retail Park which includes a large building housing several retailers and a large car park to its south. The Site is bound by Denton Community Academy and Elmbridge School with associated playing fields to the west.”

Officer report

Why the school needed rebuilding

The existing school had structural, flooding and fire safety problems, while its outdoor sports facilities were unusable after incomplete construction works.

“The school was previously partially refurbished by Carillion in 2015, a company which later collapsed in 2018. Due to the poor and unfinished construction works carried out by Carillion, the school faces significant structural problems, flooding, fire safety defects and has no outdoor sport facilities. The school is therefore in urgent need of redevelopment to ensure the safety of its staff and pupils.”

“The school was selected to benefit from the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) in December 2022. The SRP carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at school and sixth-form college buildings across England, with buildings prioritised according to their condition with Russell Scott School being identified within the top 10% of Schools in the UK based on condition need.”

Officer report

What people said

One neutral letter raised precedent concerns and suggested requiring at least six swift bricks to improve biodiversity.

“Sets a precedent • Recommend installation of a minimum of 6 swift bricks as a planning condition to provide enhancement for biodiversity. • Installing integral Swift nest bricks would contribute to the objectives of national legislation and planning policy.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker addressed the Panel in support of the application.

The committee vote

The Panel resolved to grant planning permission subject to the report’s conditions and the stated amendments.

“RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report and the amendments as outlined above.”

Minutes