£10m school plan to go ahead – at last

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MAJOR plans for a replacement school for Warrington’s William Beamont Academy school – controversially thrown out by planning bosses in August – have been given the green light at the second time of asking.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee approved the demolition of the existing school and construction of a new school on adjoining land off Long Lane.
The £10m re-development, part of the national Priority School Building Programme to replace schools in need of urgent repairs, was originally refused because councillors believed it could cause unacceptable harm to the living conditions of people living in Long Lane and Longfield Road – despite a warning that any delay could result in the funding being lost.
But the committee was told the plans had now been revised to address the concerns originally expressed – although there were still two objections from nearby residents.
Deputy leader of the council, Mike Hannon, said: “I believe the amended scheme takes on board the committee’s reservations regarding impact on neighbouring properties.
“The neighbours between the entrance and exits to the school will see the school and their property set back by a huge measurement.”
Cllr Hannon pointed out that the Long Lane corridor of land had been next to schools and colleges since the 1950s, starting with the former Orford Secondary Modern School.
The committee was told the proposals had been amended in a number of ways. The building had been re-positioned by about 0.5mm, additional planting was proposed along the boundaries of affected properties, a number of windows would be gi ven obscure glazing and mechanical ventilation had been installed so that window nearest to houses could not be opened.
A sports hall will be built in the centre of the site which would also be used by Warrington Collegiate and the wider community.
Picture: an artist’s impression of the new school.


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