Application No. O.01/02 (detailed)

Erection of one double classroom prefabricated building for a temporary period ending in September 2004, Speedwell First School, Sandford Road, Littlemore, Oxford

Development and Site (see plan):

As part of the Oxford Schools Review, the existing Year 4 pupils at Speedwell First School will remain at the school in September 2002 rather than transfer to the City’s middle schools. To enable the school to function with an additional year group (there will be about 300 pupils on roll), additional accommodation is required. These additional classrooms need to be provided in the form of a single prefabricated double classroom unit which should be placed on site until September 2004 prior to the whole school relocating into the Lawn Upton School buildings.

The temporary building is shown sited to the rear of the existing school buildings looking out over school playing fields to the south east.

The front (western) part of the site (abutting Sandford Road) is within the Littlemore Conservation Area. The site for the new temporary classrooms is outside the conservation area.

Relevant Local Plan Policies

Results of Consultations:

Oxford City Council: raise no objection subject to following conditions: 1) detailed compliance, 2) temporary permission, 3) disabled access.

Littlemore Parish Council: no objections

County Archaeologist: no objections.

Environment Agency: no comments.

Oxford Preservation Trust: no objections.

Any other representations received will be reported at the meeting.

Director’s Comments:

The location of this temporary accommodation on land to the rear of the existing school buildings is considered acceptable. No neighbours are affected by the development and the new classrooms will be screened from view (from Sandford Road) by the existing buildings. There is also some substantial tree and hedgerow planting along the northern boundary of the school site. After September 2004 the whole school will transfer to Lawn Upton School immediately to the east.

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 September 2004.
3. Provision of disabled access.

Contact Officer: John Hamilton Tel: Oxford 815584