Agenda item

Construction of a new single storey 150 place primary school, 20 place nursery and 30 place Cylch Meithrin and associated external works, inclusive of boundary treatments, new car parking arrangements and improved access provisions for the relocation of Our Lady's School on the old Ysgol Glanadda site

 

LOCAL MEMBERS: Councillor Gareth Roberts, Councillor Huw Wyn Jones and Councillor Medwyn Hughes

 

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve the application subject to conditions relating to the following:

1.      Time (five years)

2.      In accordance with the plans

3.      Contaminated Land Condition

4.      Must adhere to the Ecological Survey recommendations

5.      A photographic survey must be completed

6.      Ensure Welsh / Bilingual name and signs

7.      A Travel to School Plan must be agreed with the Transportation Unit and implemented in accordance with the requirements of that plan.

 

Notes

1.   Welsh Water

2.   Natural Resources Wales

3.   Land Drainage Unit

 

Construction of a new single-storey primary school with 150 places, 20 nursery places and 30 Cylch Meithrin places and associated external works, including boundary treatments, new car parking arrangements and improved access provisions for the relocation of Our Lady's School on the former Ysgol Glanadda site.

a)      The Development Control Team Leader highlighted that this application involved building a new school for 200 pupils, which would include a nursery and a cylch meithrin. The development would enable the relocation of Our Lady's School from its current site near the railway bridge on Caernarfon Road, Bangor, which currently operated within a restricted building and premises, which made daily teaching and learning challenging. It was added that the existing building was nearing the end of its serving life and there were continuous maintenance problems there.

 

It was reported that the proposal satisfied all the criteria of Policy ISA 2, which was a policy supportive of providing new community facilities, together with those of Policy ISA 4 which designated Open Spaces to be safeguarded from development (the playing field on the site was protected under this designation).

 

In the context of visual amenities, the design submitted was considered to offer a development on a scale and appearance that would be suitable for its urban site. The fact that features from the existing school's character, such as red Ruabon bricks, will be incorporated in the design emphasised the continuity from the current situation.

 

In the context of general and residential amenities, it was accepted that by increasing the size of the school and encouraging use of external spaces, there may be an increase in noise for the residents of nearby dwellings. Having said this, the school would only be open for limited hours and the children would be inside the building for most of that time. Overall, considering that there was no change of use to the site, it was not believed that the development would cause significant harm to the amenities of the local area or its residents in the long term, although inevitably there would be some noise and disturbance during the construction phase.

 

In discussing highways matters it was noted that a Transport Assessment had been submitted with the application – this stated that although the site had previously operated as a school with a historical access arrangement, additional improvements were proposed. Observations had been received from the Transportation Unit stating concern regarding the potential impacts of the development on traffic flow and parking in the area, and regarding the footpaths that would be available for children to attend the school. However, it was considered that those matters could be managed if the school committed to a Travel to School Plan.

 

Having considered all relevant planning matters, it was not believed that the proposal was likely to cause long-term unacceptable harmful impacts to nearby residents or the community in general, and that any short-term impacts can be managed by imposing appropriate conditions on the development.

 

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following points:

·         They were supportive of the application

·         The old school was in an awkward and busy location

·         Moving to a location nearby made sense

·         The plan was a good one

·         No objections to the application – everyone seemed supportive

·         He requested that solar panels be installed on the building – had renewable energy been considered?

 

c)    During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by Members:

·         The old building was a striking building and in a prominent location

·         Pleased that some of the traditional features (red Ruabon bricks) would be protected

·         A request to put slates on the roof, and not a flat roof

·         Agreed with the suggestion to install solar panels on the roof

·         A member commented that Bangor City Council had not offered observations on key matters

·         Need to ensure sufficient parking spaces for staff and parents

·         They welcomed the multi-purpose play area, it was adequate and modern

 

ch) In response to a question regarding the use of solar panels, it was noted that the matter could be discussed with the applicant, but such a scheme would usually have to meet with the requirements of sustainability and building control.

 

d)    It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.

 

RESOLVED: To approve the application subject to conditions relating to the following:

 

1.      Time (five years)

1.      In accordance with the plans

2.      Contaminated Land Condition

3.      Must adhere to the Ecological Survey recommendations

4.      A photographic survey must be completed

5.      Ensure Welsh / Bilingual name and signs

6.      A Travel to School Plan must be agreed with the Transportation Unit and implemented in accordance with the requirements of that plan.

 

Notes

1.   Welsh Water

2.   Natural Resources Wales

3.   Land Drainage Unit