Address:       Henlow Middle School, Church Road, Henlow, SG16 6AN

Removal of existing two classroom modular unit. Construction of free standing four-court sports hall with changing facilities and attached two-storey six classroom block. Construction of additional car parking.

Applicant:     Henlow Church of England Academy

The Committee considered a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/17/03294/FULL for the removal of an existing two classroom modular unit, construction of a freestanding four court sports hall with changing facilities and attached two storey six classroom block and the construction of additional car parking at Henlow Middle School, Church Road, Henlow, SG16 6AN.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to additional consultation/publicity responses, additional comments, additional/amended conditions/reasons and to notification of an error within the report as set out in the Late Sheet.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee received a representation from the applicant under the public participation scheme.  A Member queried the applicant’s statement that the Academy’s performance was above average when the Council’s website stated the opposite.  In response the applicant stated that she had referred to the 2017 data.  The Chairman advised the applicant to check the content of the Council’s website and, if it was incorrect, to contact the Executive Member for Education and Skills and request that it be amended.  A brief discussion took place on the Academy’s academic performance and results.

A ward Member stated that excellent progress had been made since the new head teacher had been appointed and he had no hesitation in supporting the school’s expansion.  He then explained that he had called in the application for the Committee to determine because of his concern regarding the proposed Travel Plan and the impact on local residents.  However, following various consultations a revised travel plan had been submitted and consideration given to the Council’s policy on transport to school.  The highways conditions now reflected the need for changes both inside and outside the school site.  There was also a commitment by highways officers to carry out a consultation with the local community regarding the introduction of limited waiting and drop off restrictions outside the school.  The ward Member stated that there was the possibility of a further five car parking spaces for existing staff being added and which would be located on the site of the builder’s portacabins during the proposed development. He was now fully supportive of the application and had withdrawn his objection.

The planning officer recommended the use of an additional condition seeking details of the five additional car parking spaces to be submitted if the Committee wished to see them provided.

A second ward Member thanked the head teacher and its leadership for taking two additional classes at this highly regarded school.  He had also expressed concern regarding the Travel Plan but the school now met the relevant objectives and hopefully the Travel Plan would satisfy local residents and there would be no highways objections.  He moved the addition of a condition regarding the five additional parking spaces.

The Committee considered the application and no issues were raised.

On being put to the vote 9 Members voted for approval, 0 voted against and 1 abstained.

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/17/03294/FULL relating to Henlow Middle School, Church Road, Henlow, SG16 6AN be  approved as set out in the Schedule attached to these minutes.