Agenda item

The erection of a two storey building to provide 8 x general teaching rooms, 3 x art class rooms, a chapel and other associated facilities, refurbishment of parts of the existing music and science blocks, creation of new tennis court / coach parking and hard play area, creation of 17 additional car parking spaces and 20 additional cycle parking spaces, landscaping and other associated works.

Officers:

Dawn Horton-Baker, Senior Planning Officer

Alan Stones, Planning Development Team Manager

Caroline Smith, Transport Development Planning Manager

Nancy El-Shatoury, Principal Solicitor

Key points raised during the discussion:

1. The Senior Planning Officer introduced the report and the update sheet tabled at the meeting. It was explained that the application proposed to expand St Peters school from a 6 forms of entry to a 7 forms of entry school which would mean an increase of 150 pupils. It was confirmed that a stand-alone two story building would be erected in the centre of the site and that refurbishment of other parts of the site were planned. Further details of the application were confirmed in which the Committee noted that four letters of objection had been received and that an objection had been received from Sport England due to the loss of playing field land.   Therefore this application would need to be referred to the Secretary of State.
2. Members highlighted the necessity of the application due to the urgent need for school places in the area. It was stated that although there were traffic concerns that the school had a good record of mitigation by supporting transport by non-car modes.
3. Members discussed the design process for school buildings and how it was of the opinion of some, that the quality could be improved. The Planning Development Control Manager explained that the design of the schools followed rules set out in a development plan which ensured the building met requirements. It was stated that further alterations would have cost implications.
4. A Member of the Committee highlighted the objection received from Sport England and asked if the council allowed for a right of reply. The Senior Planning Officer confirmed that the school had considered the comments but decided that the playing field would not be used differently following the development. 
5. Members raised concerns about the two trees which would be removed to accommodate two parking spaces at the site. Members sought clarification over the size of the trees which would replace the ones removed. Officers confirmed that the two trees had previously been given permission to be removed by Guildford Borough Council therefore the principle of the trees being removed had already been established.  Officers also confirmed that appropriate replacement trees would be planted at the site.
6. Due to Members possibly being unaware of the location of the site, Members asked that phrases such as ‘vicinity’ and ‘surrounding area’ were not used and that the report was more specific when explaining details of the area. Officers highlighted that the report did include detail of what constitutes the local area. It was stated that, if helpful, a plan would be included in future reports to further clarify what was meant by the local area.
7. Members sought clarification on the hours of working for the site which the officer stated that these would usually be implemented at the local district level. It was stated that if the Committee wished, these conditions could be reflected in the report which the Committee agreed.

The resolution of the Committee was unanimous

Resolved:

That Application GU17/P/00129 - St Peters Roman Catholic Comprehensive School, Horseshoe Lane East, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2TN, subject to referral to Secretary of State, be approved subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report.

Actions/further information to be provided:

None.