Agenda item

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement)

The Executive has previously approved a number of school expansion proposals in order to meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient school places in light of increased demand in various areas of the Borough. This report sets out the results of the consultation with stakeholders on a proposal to replace both Orrishmere and Queens Road Primary School buildings with a single new building which would provide an additional 210 primary places.

The Executive is recommended to:

(i)        consider the outcomes of the consultation exercise;

·      approve the publication of related statutory proposals for:

·      the expansion of Queens Road Primary School from a 210 place school to a 630 place primary school with effect from 1 September 2015;

(ii)       the discontinuance of Orrishmere Primary School with effect from 31 August 2015;

(iii)      approve delegation of the final decisions to the Corporate Director, Services to People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor, Lifelong Learning and Achievement, subject to there being no significant objections during the representation period following publication of the statutory proposals.

Officer contact: Stephen Bell, 0161 474 3846, Stephen.bell@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the results of consultation with stakeholders a proposal to replace the existing buildings of Orrishmere and Queens Road Primary Schools with an expanded capacity new build school on the site of Queens Road Primary. The proposal would help address pressure for primary school places in the Cheadle Hulme area.

Councillors commented on the pressures on school places in the area. It was recognised that while the some respondents to the consultations had legitimate concerns about the proposal, it was the only viable option to ensure sufficient capacity for the rising demand in the area and that those who may in the future become parents may not have taken part in the consultation but would expect the Council to ensure sufficient places were available in local schools.

Councillors also commented on the high number of responses to the consultation that raised concerns about traffic and parking issues. It was stated that these issues were more appropriately addressed through the planning application process, but councillors emphasised the need to develop sustainable transport options to minimise vehicle movements and promote physical activity.

RESOLVED – That, in relation to proposals to replace the existing buildings of Orrishmere and Queens Road Primary Schools with an expanded capacity new build school on the site of Queens Road Primary:-

  (i)          the outcomes from the consultation exercise be noted;

 (ii)          approval be given to the publication of related statutory proposals for:

·         the expansion of Queens Road Primary School from a 210 place school to a 630 place primary school with effect from 1 September 2015;

·         the discontinuance of Orrishmere Primary School with effect from 31 August 2015.

(iii)          the final decisions be delegated to the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning & Achievement), subject to there being no significant objections during the representation period following publication of the statutory proposals.