Report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding the above application.
Minutes:
The Committee had before it a report * of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding the above application. The Area Planning Officer outlined the contents of the report highlighting the application by way of presentation which included the demolition of Blagdon House. Members viewed the block plan, the proposed new building and play areas, the mature trees on the site most of which would be retained but with some loss’ the site plan, highlighting the existing and proposed buildings, the proposed elevations, the external materials, a model of the proposals and a 3D view, the proposed ground floor and first floor plans and proposed sections; the drainage plans, landscaping proposals and photographs from various aspects of the site. The architectural merits of the original buildings were also identified.
In response to the questions posed in public question time, the old Grammar School had accommodated more children but that they were older children the school and the facilities available were not suitable for 4-11 year olds. The new school would increase the capacity by 60 children. Members had visited the site and understood the issues with regard to water ingress, the need to regulate the heating and the inappropriate environment that the children were being taught in; there was a need to assess the loss of the Edwardian building against the establishment of a new school.
Consideration was given to:
· The safety issue with regard to Blagdon House
· The condition of the school and the need for a replacement school to be built
· The suitability of the school for the children
· The available funding to provide a new school
· Concerns from objectors with regard to the loss of a heritage asset
· The concerns raised by the Conservation Officer
· The covenant on the land
· The building materials and the possible negotiation that could take place with regard to the stone finish
· The need for a suitable school to be available for the children and the need to take the opportunity of funding available
· The views of the Civic Society
RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions as recommended by the Head of Planning and Regeneration with delegated authority being given to the Head of Planning and Regeneration to negotiate amendments to the external materials and colour.
(Proposed by Cllr Mrs H Bainbridge and seconded by Cllr D J Knowles)
Notes:
i) Cllr Mrs F J Colthorpe declared a personal interest in the matter as she had in the past chaired the Tiverton Education Foundation which owned the land the school was built on and chose to leave the meeting whilst discussion took place; (Cllr P J Heal, Vice Chairman took the chair);
ii) Cllr R F Radford declared a personal interest as a County Councillor;
iii) Cllr D J Knowles declared a personal interest as a Member of the Civic Society and that some of the objectors were known to him;
iv) Mrs Noble (Headteacher) spoke in support of the application;
v) Cllr C J Eginton spoke as a member of the public in objection to the application;
vi) Cllrs Mrs B M Hull and Mrs E J Slade spoke as Ward Members in support of the application;
vii) The following late information was reported: Since the publication of the officer report, two letters of representation have been received from the Tiverton Civic Society and The Victorian Society. These are summarised below:
The Victorian Society
The Victorian Society strongly object to the proposal and fully endorse the views of both Historic England and Teignbridge District Council
The Tiverton Civic Society
The Tiverton Civic Society support the proposal, as the reuse of the building would be costly and unfeasible and a new functional and economically viable building would significantly benefit the local area.
These updates are not considered to impact upon the officer recommendation.
viii) *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.
Supporting documents: