Application No. O.03/02 (detailed/Conservation Area)

Erection of one double classroom prefabricated building for a temporary period of three years, St Aloysius RC First School, 143 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 7PH

Development and Site (see plan):

As part of the Oxford Schools Review, in September 2004 Year 4 pupils at this school will remain on site rather than transferring to the City’s Middle School. An application for permanent accommodation to meet this expanded pupil roll is the subject of a separate application (Application No. O.06/02) to this Committee. This application seeks consent for a single double classroom unit for a period of 3 years until the permanent accommodation is fully operational.

The temporary building is planned to be located in the south east corner of the site abutting Woodstock Road and St Margaret’s Road. The Woodstock Road boundary incorporates a number of substantial trees.

The site lies within the North Oxford Victorian Suburb Conservation Area.

Relevant Local Plan Policies

Results of Consultations:

Oxford City Council – have yet to comment.

Environment Agency – no comments.

County Archaeologist – no observations.

Any other representations received will be reported at the meeting.

Director’s Comments:

This school operates within a particularly restricted site. This problem will be exacerbated by the school becoming a primary school as part of the Oxford Schools Review.

Permanent accommodation is proposed to meet these increased numbers (and is subject of a separate application to this Committee) but until this accommodation is provided, a temporary solution is required. This two classroom temporary building is required for a three year period, or until the permanent scheme is complete, whichever is the sooner.

The temporary building is proposed to be tucked into the south east corner of the school site, and although bounded by the Woodstock Road and St Margaret’s Road, it is well screened by a significant line of trees along this frontage and by the existing school building itself. The building is sited such that these trees should not be affected.

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 – 3 years or until additional permanent accommodation is fully operational, whichever is the sooner;
3. Tree protection and retention.

Contact Officer: John Hamilton Tel: Oxford 815584