Agenda item

To determine the application.

Richard Fitzjohn presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Oliver Corbett, the agent, and Richard Scott, Headteacher. Mr Scott advised members that he was the Executive Principal of the new Wisbech Academy and would be speaking about the opportunity to represent the young people of Wisbech. He stated that the new school is a response to a clear and growing need, they have already received 200 applicants for a second intake of the Wisbech Academy and the neighbouring school has received 400.

Mr Scott expressed the opinion that it tells them that the families of Wisbech are seeking a high quality education for their children. He expressed the view that the new Wisbech Academy will be a distinct school with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and maths and a smaller more personalised environment.

Mr Scott stated that a state of the art permanent building would be ideal in supporting such as curriculum and it would also not be isolated with its location next to Thomas Clarkson Academy allows for meaningful collaboration, something which is already underway and it will bring shared benefits from curriculum support to economies of scale and the campus with its wide range of sports facilities will also be available to the wider community. He stated that they are proud that Thomas Clarkson achieved two consecutive good Ofsted ratings, the first in its history, and this gives them the confidence that as part of Brooke Weston Trust, the same academy, the new school will be in strong hands, with a leadership team that understands the local context and is committed to continuous improvement.

Mr Scott stated that many of its young pupils face significant challenges and the demographic of the school represents some of the poorest youngsters in Cambridgeshire and in the East of England more generally. He continued that the school will offer them not just a place to learn but a place to belong, be supported and to thrive, it will open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.

Mr Scott added that the school also offers a broad and enriching curriculum with access to high quality facilities and extra curricular activities that will help to build confidence and a sense of purpose for these young people. He stated that he wants every child to feel that their aspirations are valid and achievable and that they are part of a school community that believes in their potential.

Mr Scott recognised the concerns raised about traffic and congestion and advised that a robust travel plan will be in place from the outset and reviewed annually. He stated that they are committed to being good neighbours and to working with the community to ensure the school’s presence is a positive one, above all they see this as a chance to invest in the future of Wisbech, its young people, its families and its wider community, hoping that the committee would see the value of this vision.

Mr Corbett stated that there is significant interest in places in the school and there is temporary accommodation at the Thomas Clarkson Academy for some pupils on roll for the Wisbech Academy currently and there will a further temporary building on site later this year to accommodate those pupils. He referred to the positive discussions he has had through the course of the application resolving matters raised by the IDB, the LLFA, Highways and Fenland’s Ecology Officer to result in the positive recommendation in front of committee, with all of the matters being addressed or will be dealt with via planning conditions.

Mr Corbett referred to the Town Council objection and it is known that these projects do cause disruption to residents and their contractors, Henry Brothers, delivering the school will work closely and in accordance with the Construction Management Plan to try and avoid any detrimental impacts.

Members asked questions of Mr Scott and Mr Corbett as follows:

·       Councillor Mrs French asked about SEND children as this has not been mentioned and is there provision? Mr Scott responded it would, with there being around 80 children with ECPH needs and that has had a significant impact on what they are trying to do at Thomas Clarkson and the needs into the new school. He added that a SENCO has already been appointed and they have every expectation that they will be supporting ECPH students within the context of the new school and this is where the campus collaboration will come in because they will be able to offer opportunities for a best suit for school for some students, offering a more bespoke setting.

·       Councillor Mrs French referred to the concerns of Middle Level regarding site encroachments and asked if they were going to discuss this with Hundred of Wisbech IDB? Mr Corbett responded that they have had a number of meetings with the Board over a number of months and they have dealt with some of their objections and comments and they have formally withdrawn their objection. He stated that part of what they need to do is ensure access to their facilities and assets and that is achieved through the planning application and there is a separate consenting process with the drainage board, which will be carried out and as part of that there might be some works to widen accesses and enable future vehicles and operational requirements to be dealt with.

·       Councillor Purser referred to buildings of this nature taking some time to construct and it is on quite a busy road and with the weather having been what is has been like is there provision for wheel cleaning, etc, for vehicles coming on and off the site to keep the road clean. Mr Corbett responded that as part of the construction management plan, of which a draft version was submitted with the application and another one is subject to condition, things like wheel washing and dust mitigation will all be considered and agreed with officers.

Members asked questions of officers as follows:

·       Councillor Mrs French referred to the officer’s report stating that it broadly accords with the plan and asked what does this mean as it either does or does not? Richard Fitzjohn responded that with any planning application, especially of a major scale, there is always elements of certain criteria and certain policies of the Local Plan that it might not specifically comply with but the Development Plan has to be looked at as a whole. He stated that it is his words in the report that it broadly accords as it is very rare that you would get any proposal that accord with every specific criteria.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Mrs French sated that she welcomes this as a new secondary school is needed and is pleased to see there are going to be SEND places, there was supposed to be a Special Education school for March and unfortunately County Council withdrew that last year. She asked if it known when this school, if approved, will start? Richard Fitzjohn stated that his understanding of the opening date for the school is aiming for September next year. Mr Scott was permitted to confirm that it would be September 2027.

·       Councillor Benney expressed his surprise to see this application before committee, councils usually want to see schools come forward and he does not understand why the Town Council has objected. He feels it is something that is needed with Wisbech being a growing town.

·       Councillor Mrs French asked if a BNG was submitted with the application? Richard Fitzjohn confirmed that there was and it is included within the conditions for the BNG to be agreed.

·       Councillor Connor expressed the view that the application ticks all the boxes, a robust construction management plan is required and he does not understand why anyone would go against something that is so much needed.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Purser and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Meekins declared, in accordance with Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that he is a member of Wisbech Town Council and was on the Town Council’s Planning Committee when this application was discussed so took no part in the discussion or voting thereon)