Issue - meetings

To authorise the publication of statutory notices detailing the Local Authority’s proposed expansion of Wilmslow Grange Community Primary and Nursery School, Handforth, and of Dean Oaks Primary, Wilmslow; and to agree, in principle, the proposed expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy.

1.    To give permission to authorise the publication of statutory notices detailing the Authority’s proposed expansion of:

Wilmslow Grange Community Primary and Nursery School, Handforth - from 210 to 315 pupil places;

Dean Oaks Primary, Wilmslow - from 315 to 420  pupil places;

2.    To agree, in principle, the proposed expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy.  As stated in paragraph 1.5 of the report the expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy is subject to approval by the Secretary of State of the necessary amendment to the Academy’s funding agreement.

Consideration was given to the publication of statutory notices detailing the expansion of Wilmslow Grange Community Primary and Nursery School, Handforth, of Dean Oaks Primary, Wilmslow, and to agree in principle to the proposed expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy.

A detailed background to the need for the expansions was given, and also of the responses received, the majority of which were in support.  Local Members attended the meeting and raised questions in respect of for how long the increased numbers would be adequate, the adequacy of playground provision for increased numbers, traffic problems in the vicinity of Schools in the area as a whole, and whether or not an increase in numbers was planned for St Benedict’s Catholic Primary in Handforth. 

The forecast figures on which the proposed expansions were based were explained further and the position regarding St Benedict’s, which was referred to in the report, was discussed.  It was reported that traffic problems were a planning and highways matter although guidance was provided to Schools on how to manage the traffic conditions outside their premises; it was agreed, however, that the comments made on local traffic conditions would be followed up.

RESOLVED

1.    That approval be given permission to the publication of statutory notices detailing the Authority’s proposed expansion of:

·         Wilmslow Grange Community Primary and Nursery School, Handforth - from 210 to 315 pupil places;

·         Dean Oaks Primary, Wilmslow - from 315 to 420  pupil places;

2.    That approval in principle be given to the proposed expansion of Lacey Green Primary Academy which, as stated, in paragraph 1.5 of the report was subject to approval by the Secretary of State of the necessary amendment to the Academy’s funding agreement.