SD20A/0296
Redevelopment at the site of existing Girls National School (Part of the site is in the curtilage of Loreto Abbey, a Protected Structure - RPS No. 253) consisting of demolition of existing school buildings and portacabins; construction of new 3,833sq.m part 3-, 2-, and 1-storey 21 classroom primary school building, connected to existing 2-storey granite building which is to be refurbished; demolition of existing 3-storey red brick Lourdes Nursing Home fronting Convent Lane; refurbishment of and alterations to existing Teresa Ball House with new 85sq.m extension and change of use from nursing home to educational use with 3-classrooms and ancillary resource teaching areas; Teresa Ball House is in the curtilage of Loreto Abbey, a Protected Structure (RPS No. 253); construction of 2-storey, 20-classroom temporary school prefabricated accommodation for school use during the demolition and construction works; associated vehicular drop-off, set-down and parking provisions; associated hard-surface play areas, landscaping, boundary treatments; associated surface water attenuation, foul and surface water drainage connections, site works and ancillary services.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended a grant of permission, concluding that the development is consistent with the residential zoning objective, fulfills a requirement for modernized educational facilities, and incorporates a traffic management layout that provides a significant improvement over the current haphazard parking and congestion issues.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of redeveloping the school is acceptable and consistent with the site's 'RES' zoning objective and specific policies favoring the extension of existing school facilities.
- The design and scale of the new school building, including the modulation of heights and separation distances, ensure that the residential amenity of neighboring properties is protected in terms of daylight, sunlight, and privacy.
- The proposed internal set-down area (20 spaces) and the formalization of a one-way system on Convent Lane represent a viable and necessary solution to manage traffic generated by the school and alleviate congestion on the surrounding road network.