PLANNING bosses at Warrington have controversially thrown out proposals for a new school building for Beamont Collegiate Academy – despite a warning that a delay could result in vital funding being lost.
The school is one of 261 nationally identified as being in need of urgent repairs or re-building as part of the Priority School Building Programme to be delivered by the Education Funding Agency.
But after hearing of objections from residents of Long Lane and Longfield Road, on the grounds of loss of light, loss of privacy, overlooking, noise, smell and vermin, members of the borough council’s development management committee voted to refuse planning consent.
The majority decision disappointed Cllr Sheila Woodyatt (pictured), who voted to allow the plans to go ahead.
She said: “If there ever was a school that needs replacing, this is it. The building is just not fit for purpose and the school has been struggling with inadequate facilities for years.
“I can understand the views of the nearby residents but I believe conditions could have been imposed to lessen the impact of the school on their homes.”
The committee was told that deputy leader of the council Mike Hannon had indicated that he supported the scheme.
Members were told the school would cater for 900 pupils – the same number as at present.
The development involved demolition of the existing school and the construction of a replacement two-storey school building on a different part of the 6.5 hectare site.
A sports hall, also used by Warrington Collegiate and the wider community, already exists on the site.
Officers recommended the scheme be approved but there were objections from nearby residents.
They claimed gardens would be overlooked and overshadowed and there would be a loss of privacy.
A 2.4 m high fence to the rear of houses in Longfield Road would make the property “feel like a prison.”
After the meeting, Cllr Woodyatt said she hoped the scheme could be brought back in a different form that would be acceptable.
Picture shows an artist’s impression of the proposed new building.
Planners reject new academy school building
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
