Meeting documents

Application No: W.27/02 (detailed)

Construction of new five classroom building, Marlborough School, Woodstock, Oxon

Development and Site (see plan): (download as .doc file)

This application is for the construction of a single storey five classroom building located alongside the existing 6^th Form Block at Marlborough School. This new permanent accommodation would allow an existing substantial two storey prefabricated building to be removed from the site.

The new building would provide additional 6^th form facilities and allow the whole of the maths department to be relocated here. This would allow further improvements to be undertaken in the existing school buildings.

The new building would be located on an area of unused grassland behind the existing tennis courts. All materials and detailing would match that of the adjacent 6^th Form building.

Relevant Local Plan Policies

Results of Consultations:

West Oxfordshire District Council – no objections.

Environment Agency – no objections.

Woodstock Town Council – no objection.

Sport England – The five classroom extension building is proposed on an area of the school’s playing fields immediately behind the existing games court. Nevertheless, as indicated in pre-application discussions and correspondence, by virtue of its present condition and its proximity to the existing buildings or games court, in Sport England’s judgement the proposed development will not affect any playing pitches or land capable of forming a playing pitch. No objection.

County Archaeologist – Proposal does not appear directly to affect any known archaeological sites.

Director’s Comments:

The proposal is for a new permanent building, which will allow for the removal of existing temporary classroom buildings. The building is to be single storey, and will be constructed in buff brickwork and artificial blue slate, which matches other new permanent structures constructed at the school in recent years.

The building would be viewed mainly against the existing cluster of school buildings and would not result in harm to the wider visual amenity of the area. Indeed the development of good quality permanent structures in place of existing unprepossessing temporary structures is to be welcomed.

The development would occupy part of an area of the school’s playing fields immediately behind the tennis courts. However, Sport England have confirmed that by virtue of the present condition of the land and its proximity to the existing buildings and games court the scheme would not, in Sport England’s judgement, affect any pitches or land capable of forming a playing pitch.

Director’s Comments contd

As with most schools across the county, the parking of vehicles at the school, and along the adjoining highway, is a significant problem. The situation at this particular school appears to be exacerbated by the fact that a number of sixth formers bring their cars to school. An additional 10 car parking spaces are proposed within the site as part of this proposal. However, this proposed building does not involve the use of any extra staff members and therefore does not warrant any additional parking spaces being provided. The provision of further spaces is not sustainable as it would merely attract further cars to the school. The answer lies in educating pupils (and staff) to use alternative methods of getting to school. This being the case, I suggest that a condition be attached to this permission requiring the school to develop a School Travel Plan.

Recommendation:

The Committee are RECOMMENDED to approve the application subject to the following conditions:

1. Detailed compliance.
2. Detailed duration – 5 years.
3. Landscaping.
4. Implement landscaping.
5. School Travel Plan to be agreed and implemented.
6. External materials to be agreed.
7. Archaeological informative.
8. This permission does not allow for the provision of the 10 additional car spaces shown on the submitted plans.

Contact Officer: John Hamilton Tel: Oxford 815584