D21A/0248

The proposed development is recommended for grant as it provides critical community infrastructure on a site zoned as Major Town Centre (MTC), facilitates the adaptive reuse of a Protected Structure, and represents an acceptable balance between achieving necessary educational capacity and protecting the residential amenities of the surrounding urban context.

• The principle of a primary school is acceptable under the 'MTC' zoning objective and aligns with Specific Local Objective 31 to redevelop the obsolete fire station area in accordance with the Urban Framework Plan.
• Despite significant shortfalls in site area and play space relative to Department of Education technical guidance (TGD-025), a flexible approach is justified given the scarcity of urban school sites and the mitigation measures proposed, such as staggered break times and proximity to public parks.
• While the three-storey extension will impact the daylight and sunlight of adjoining properties on Stable Lane, the impacts are considered acceptable for a high-density town centre location and are balanced against the requirement for compact growth and the provision of essential social infrastructure.