Replacement school building at Sharlston Community School, Sharlston Common, Wakefield

What was proposed

The application proposed a replacement primary school building, demolition of the existing building, parking improvements, a MUGA and new playing fields.

“It should be noted that the application also includes the removal of the existing school building, following the erection of the replacement building – the sequence of development is to ensure that the school can remain operational during the construction/demolition phases.”

“The proposal forms part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme, which is a National Framework to replace ageing and deteriorating school buildings at the end of their useful life. Sharlston Community School’s main teaching block has been identified to fall into this category and requires replacement. Therefore, the proposals seek the construction of a replacement Primary School within the existing site for Sharlston Community School.”

Officer report

The site

The school site includes existing buildings, playgrounds, parking and playing fields, with countryside to the north and west and homes to the east and south.

“The application site relates to Sharlston School which is a primary school located on Hammer Lane in Sharlston. The current school site comprises one large ‘U’ shaped school building which has been subject to various extensions and alterations. A pre- fabricated unit sits within the central courtyard area, and two single storey buildings are provided to the west of the site which incorporate a nursery and a children’s centre.”

“The site is bordered to the north and west by open countryside, with the railway line forming the northernmost boundary of the site. Residential properties are provided to the east and south beyond Hammer Lane. The surrounding area is predominantly residential in nature, with the main services of the settlement being offered around 300m to the south on Weeland Road.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier applications approved extensions, a reception and library, a classroom extension and a children’s centre between 2000 and 2007.

“07/01941/FUL Proposed modular extension to form children’s centre (single storey) – Approved 24.08.2007”

“04/99/61147/C Reception and library extensions – Approved 07.04.2004”

Officer report

Why approval was advised

Approval was advised because the principle, access, drainage, design, amenity, trees and ecology were considered acceptable, subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

“Whilst the Sport England objection to the proposed development is noted, having considered the benefits of the scheme along with the constraints of the site, it is considered that the principle of the development in this location is acceptable; additionally, it is not considered that the proposed development would have a negative impact upon the Green Belt which lies adjacent to the application site.”

“Furthermore, it is considered that the proposal would be acceptable with regard to its impact upon access and highway safety, flood risk and drainage, the visual impact of the development, as well as amenity, protection of trees and ecology…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection or were satisfied with further information, while Sport England maintained an objection about playing-field provision.

“Arboricultural Officer – Satisfied following the submission of further information, conditions recommended…”

“Ecology – Initially requested further information, no objection following the receipt of further information, conditions recommended…”

Officer report

What residents said

Two objections raised parking, traffic, contractor parking and emergency-access concerns, while two supporters raised corridor lighting and construction concerns.

“- Concerns about parking at the top of Beechfield Drive - Where are contractors going to park - Traffic and parking concerns in surrounding area - Impact of traffic and parking on emergency services and accidents - School parents park on neighbouring streets and block driveways…”

“- In support of development but have concerns about light levels in internal corridors - Sufficient natural light should be provided for the benefit of teachers and children - Trust that suitable arrangements will be in place during excavation and construction phases of the development…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard representations on behalf of the applicant and from an objector.

The committee’s decision

The application was approved subject to the stated conditions and reasons, with referral to the Secretary of State to consider whether to call it in.

“Approved – Subject to those conditions and reasons set out in the Service Director, Planning, Transportation and Strategic Highway’s report and the additional information sheet circulated at the meeting.”

“Note: That as Applications 2) 24/01200/FUL and 3) 25/01371/FUL had an objection from Sport England, they would be referred to the Secretary of State in accordance with regulatory requirements to determine whether the Secretary of State wished to call-in the applications prior to the decisions being issued.”

Minutes