Issue - meetings

Sally Panayi, Senior Planner, presented the report to the Committee and informed it that Exhall Grange was a special needs school for 2-to-19-year olds in Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough, located north of Coventry.

The application is for the installation of a temporary building to provide two classrooms for use during a two-year period while asbestos is removed from areas of the main school building.  The temporary building would be placed on the overflow carpark to the south of the main school site.  There would be no additional staff or pupils as a result of the proposed temporary classroom.

The following points were highlighted to the Committee

·         The closest residential properties are 57m to the east of the site.  There is no clear view between the site and the properties due to vegetation.

·         No comments have been received from the neighbours in relation to the application.

·         Ecology officers have no issues with the application.  There is no plan for the removal of any vegetation.

·         The proposed site is currently a car park with 22 spaces but the main car park at the school has 150 spaces with adequate parking for cars using the school.  There is no issue with the loss of 22 spaces.

It was noted by the Committee that the Fire and Rescue Service commented that an access point should be created in the proposed security fencing for emergency vehicles.  It was confirmed that gates will be erected to ensure entry for emergency vehicles and a condition recommended to ensure their provision.

The application was recommended for approval subject to a condition requiring that the temporary classroom is removed within two years and the site restored to use as a car park.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor John Cooke and was seconded by the Chair. A vote was held, and the Committee voted unanimously in favour of the recommendation to grant planning permission