Additional documents:
Minutes:
Sally Panayi, Planning Assistant presented the report to the Committee confirming that the application was for the installation of a second temporary classroom and retention of existing temporary classroom until September 2022, at High Meadow Infant School in Coleshill.
The Committee noted that this is the fourth application in relation to High Meadow School in 12 months. Ms Panayi explained that there is a complicated planning history of which she gave details in her presentation, including a previous requirement by the Committee to relocate the existing classroom by turning it 90 degrees. It had not been possible to relocate the existing classroom during the Easter holidays as had been intended because of the coronavirus pandemic. The playground area was required for the movement of vehicles pending construction of a new internal access road within the site and the process of relocation would take 10 working days. This rendered it impracticable to relocate the existing classroom.
The Committee was asked to note the impact of the current coronavirus pandemic. The guidelines for social distancing mean that the planned work will take longer than originally thought. The possibility of a second wave of coronavirus could create further delays. The proposed date of September 2022 for the retention of the temporary classroom allows flexibility against a second wave of the virus and potential further lockdown restrictions.
It was noted that the current easing of some restrictions has allowed some work to recommence at the site.
The Committee noted the details for the current application and noted the following reasons given for recommending the approval of the application –
· Previous applications for the site have been approved.
· Measures and conditions are in place to reduce the impact of the temporary classrooms and to control the hours of use of the temporary classrooms at the school.
· The application is for a temporary period.
· The severe impact of the pandemic on education and children; the operational needs of a school are material considerations for deciding on an application.
It was confirmed that there has been some relaxation in some planning rules since the outbreak of coronavirus for progress to be made on restarting construction projects. The Government is keen to assist planning and development in a reasonable and proportionate manner.
Following an in-depth discussion in relation to alternative sites for accommodation for use by pupils while the 4-classroom extension is under construction, the Committee noted that other sites had been considered. It was confirmed that the alternative site options were considered to be unsuitable and would be too disruptive to children.
Public Speaking
Alison Doyle, local resident asked the Committee to note her full objection to the application stating that ‘classroom one’ is currently in an unauthorised position.
Having objected to the previous applications, Ms Doyle confirmed that all her original points of objection remained; these included the impact of the loss of light to her property due to the position of the temporary building and the impact of noise from the site.
Ms Doyle confirmed ... view the full minutes text for item 3