Agenda item

To consider a report of the Director of Universal Services regarding a Planning Application for a proposed new build 2 Form Entry (2FE), 420 place Primary School with SEN Resource Provision for 8 pupils serving the ‘Honesome Fields’ housing development to the south-west of Basingstoke at Field to west of A30 Winchester Road, Hounsome Fields, Basingstoke (Application No: 23/00750/CC3) (Site Ref: BAE067).

This item was taken last at the meeting. Councillor Lulu Bowerman rejoined the meeting for this item and Councillor Mike Ford left the meeting. The voting total remained at 12.

Councillor Lance Quantrill declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of the Retired Association of Golf Secretaries (RAGS)

Proposed new build 2 Form Entry (2FE), 420 pupil place, Primary School with SEN Resource Provision for 8 pupils serving the ‘Hounsome Fields’ housing development to the south-west of Basingstoke at Field to west of A30 Winchester Road, Hounsome Fields, Basingstoke (No. 23/00750/CC3) (Site ref: BAE067)

The Committee considered a report from the Assistant Director of Waste and Environmental Services (item 7 in the minute book), seeking approval for a new Primary School in Basingstoke.

The report was summarised and the Committee was shown aerial and elevation photos of the site. It was confirmed that updates featured in the update report, which had been circulated and published online ahead of the meeting.

The Committee received two deputations on this item. Councillor Julian Jones from Dummer Parish Council shared concerns over the nearby roads and the speed of vehicles so close to a school and Michael Bates and Liam Presley spoke on behalf of the applicant in support of the application, which was the first of three new schools planned ahead of September 2025.

During questions of the deputations, the following points were clarified:

·         The building would be red brick with a 25yr roof.

·         Any expansion at the school in future years would be to the south of the site as a separate wing (and require separate planning permission)

·         The school was future proofed for green technologies, including a ground floor heat pump should this be required going forward.

·         Any weekend or evening use would be down to the Academy (and require separate planning permission).

During questions of the officers, it was recognised that there were concerns regarding the speed of vehicles and pedestrian/pupil safety at the as yet unbuilt crossing over the A30 from the Golf Course housing development, but this was not within the remit of the Committee to condition, particularly as there were no concerns raised by Highways. It was agreed that an informative concerning lowering the 50mph speed limit here would be added to the application so this could be looked at further by the applicant.

During debate, some Members felt that they couldn’t support the application due to the design of the building whereas others welcomed the design and the future proofing that had been done in terms of expansion and green technology.

RESOLVED

Planning permission was GRANTED subject to the recommended

conditions set out in Appendix A, the update report and an informative being included regarding reducing the speed along the A31 close to the school.

Voting
Favour: 10
Abstentions: 2