To seek approval of additional middle school places in the Ward of Arlesey through the temporary expansion of Henlow Church of England Academy for September 2017.

That the commencement of capital expenditure as set out in the report, be approved subject to the granting of planning permissions under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that sought approval for the proposed temporary expansion by Henlow Church of England Academy (middle school), Arlesey to expand by up to 65 middle school places by September 2017 and up to 70 middle school places by September 2018.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Education and Skills explained that the proposals in Agenda item 12 ‘Executive Response to Overview and Scrutiny Enquiry on School Parking’ had been discussed with the Headteacher of Henlow Academy.  The Executive Members for Education and Skills and Community Services would be working with the school to manage the traffic in the vicinity and improve the Academy’s travel plan.  School transport was being provided from Fairfield Park to Henlow Academy and it was hoped that this would mitigate additional vehicles travelling to the Academy.

Reason for decision:  The forecast for middle school places in the Samuel Whitbread planning area showed a deficit of school places to meet the basic need in the area.  Without the additional places local children would not be able to access a local school.

RESOLVED

that the commencement of capital expenditure as set out in the report, be approved subject to the granting of planning permissions under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.