Agenda Item No:

 

 

 

THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL

 

CABINET MEETING : 20TH JUNE 2007

 

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

 

EDUCATION PROVISION AT COGAN HALL FARM DEVELOPMENT

 

 

 

Purpose of Report

 

1.         To seek approval to release the site at Cogan Hall Farm Development reserved as an option for a new school.

 

Background

 

2.         In the original plans for the Cogan Hall Farm Development, a site was reserved for the Council with the option to purchase in order to build a new school.

 

3.         The analysis of pupil data indicate that whilst pupils have been generated and will continue to be generated from the development, there are insufficient to justify a new school.  Additional pupils can be accommodated by extension of existing buildings.

 

4.         There is now the opportunity to release that site for housing development, with the prospect of securing a contribution to the extensions of existing schools.  The Planning Department have been advised that the reserved site can be released.

 

Relevant Issues and Options

 

5.         The current assumptions in respect of pupil projection for Cogan Hall Farm Development are based upon 500 houses, which it is estimated accounts for around 140 primary aged pupils. This is too low a number to warrant the cost of site purchase and construction of a new school.  This level of pupil numbers can more readily be accommodated within existing schools with extensions where necessary. 

 

6.            Release of the reserved site would enable the construction of further houses.  It is forecast that for every 50 houses up to 5 pre-school, 15 primary and 10 secondary aged pupils will be generated.  These can also be accommodated in extensions to existing school buildings.  The release of the reserved site provides an opportunity to secure a contribution to the extension of existing schools by way of any subsequent planning consent.

 

Resource Implications [Financial and Employment]

 

7.         Whilst more cost effective than purchase of the site and construction of a new school, extension to school buildings will have capital implications.   A planning contribution will offset the capital costs.

 

Legal Implications [to Include Human Rights Implications]

 

8.            Release of the reserved site would support the Council in respect of its statutory obligations of providing school places.

 

Crime and Disorder Implications

 

9.         None.

 

Equal Opportunities Implications [to Include Welsh Language Issues]

 

10.       None directly.

 

Corporate/Service Objectives

 

11.       A planning contribution to school building extensions will support the Council’s drive to maintain and raise standards.  It will also help ensure the Council satisfies its requirement to match supply and demand for school places.

 

Policy Framework and Budget

 

12.       The report is consistent with relevant policy.

 

Consultation (Including Ward Member Consultation)

 

13.       The Admissions Forum have been consulted along with relevant Headteachers from Penarth Schools regarding the implications of the Cogan Hall Farm Development.

 

Appropriate Scrutiny Committee

 

14.            Lifelong Learning and Corporate Resources.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION/S

 

1.         That the reserved site be released and an education contribution to the necessary extensions at relevant schools be required through any subsequent planning consent.

 

 

Reasons for Recommendation/s

 

1.         This will result in a possible opportunity for a contribution to extensions of schools.

 

Background Papers

 

None.

 

 

Contact Officer

 

Martin Donovan (01446 709161)

Head of Strategic Planning and Performance

 

 

Officers Consulted

 

Dave Foote – Strategic Property

 

 

BRYAN JEFFREYS

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT