Application No. O.09/02 (detailed)

Erection of two double classroom prefabricated buildings for a temporary period ending on 30 September 2003, Frideswide CE (A) Middle School, Marston Ferry Road, Oxford

Development and Site (see plan):

From April this year, building work will commence on the Frideswide Middle School site to create the new Cherwell Secondary School as part of the Oxford Schools Review. This work will involve the alteration of some of the existing Frideswide School buildings. This application is therefore for two double classroom prefabricated units for use by children at Frideswide School who are displaced by this building work and to counter possible disruption caused by contractors working within the site. The temporary classrooms, which are to be sited partly on the existing car park, are required for the duration of the building work i.e. until September 2003.

Since submission of the application, an even more pressing need for the temporary classrooms has come about. The County Council, as Education Authority, has now been asked by the Diocesan Board of Education and the school to have these buildings on site by the start of the summer term this year. This is to assist with problems the school is experiencing with a short term increase in pupil numbers due to a number of admissions having been made to the school (by the Admissions Appeal Panel) even though the school is technically full. As a result, from the 8 April, the school will have one class of children and a teacher without a classroom.

Relevant Local Plan Policies

Results of Consultations:

Oxford City Council – have as yet to comment. Because of the urgent need to place the buildings on site for the beginning of the summer term 2002, the City have been requested to provide their comments on this application by 4 April 2002. The City Council were consulted on the 27 February 2002.

Any other representations received will be reported at the meeting.

Director’s Comments:

There is an urgent need to site these two temporary units for the start of the summer term this year. The buildings are only required until the end of the building works at the school i.e. the end of September 2003. They are planned to be sited towards the middle of the school campus and would be screened for the most part from the Marston Ferry Road by the existing school buildings. Although the buildings impinge slightly on the existing car park in the school, there are no highway objections to the proposal. There are no neighbours affected by the development.

Recommendation:

The Committee are RECOMMENDED, subject to consideration of any objections that may be received by the date of this meeting, to approve the application subject to the following conditions:

1. Detailed compliance;
2. Temporary permission – until the end of September 2003.

Contact Officer: John Hamilton Tel: Oxford 915584