Contact: Neil Chester, ext: 6496 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 Planning permission is sought for a two-classroom extension and library extension at Chalk Ridge Primary School, Sullivan Road, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke. There is a local objection because there are no plans to increase the on site car parking provision and the proposal will increase the traffic on local roads. Notwithstanding the objection, the recommendation is that planning permission be granted, subject to the preparation of a School Travel Plan to address future transport issues and conditions.

2. Site

2.1 Chalk Ridge Primary School is located on Sullivan Road in the residential area of Brighton Hill, Basingstoke (see attached location plan). The site comprises the original single storey building with glass and brick panels, which was built circa 1974, two subsequent extensions, a car park and playing field. The existing car park is located to the south-east of the main school building and provides 24 spaces.

3. Proposal

3.1 The proposal is for the provision of two 56 square metre classrooms at the northern end of the school and a new library extension (35 square metres) adjoining the southern end of the existing building. The extension is necessary to accommodate an increasing school role. It is anticipated that the number of pupils will rise from 384 to approximately 420 by September 2004. The number of staff is not expected to increase in the near future.

3.2 The proposed classrooms are located either side of an existing single classroom extension, which will be converted to an IT suite. The line of the original school building will be extended to make better use of the available space on the site. The proposal is to complement the existing building in terms of materials and style.

3.3 It is not proposed to increase the number of car parking spaces on the school site. Currently, parking spaces are restricted to teachers and visitors and no change is proposed.

4. Development Plan

4.1 Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review) (adopted 2000) Policy UB3 refers to the need for the development to be appropriate in terms of design, scale, layout and density to its surroundings. Policy T2 refers to parking standards and the need to reduce the dependency on car use.

4.2 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Local Plan 1991-2001 (adopted 1998) Policy CD100 refers to the need for good design in terms of the built environment and external spaces; Policy CD101 refers to the need for proposed materials to be of a high standard, durable and sympathetic to the setting; Policy E6 refers to the presumption in favour of educational development on existing sites.

5. Consultations

5.1 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council raises no objection to the proposal.

5.2 The Highways Adviser raises no objection subject to the preparation of a School Travel Plan to address the transport implications of an increasing school role.

6. Representations

6.1 The local Member, Councillor Heath, has been informed of the proposal.

6.2 There has been one letter of objection as follows:

(i) there are no plans to include provision for additional on-site parking that will be needed to accommodate the increase in staff and support services using the proposed buildings; and

(ii) there is no provision to accommodate an increase in traffic in an already congested area, which will be brought about by the increase in pupil numbers. There is no drop off and pick up provision at the site.

7. Chief Planning Adviser's Comments

7.1 The proposal is to extend the existing school building to accommodate the increasing school role. The extension will provide a net increase of one classroom, a library and an IT suite. It is not proposed to increase the on-site parking provision.

7.2 The proposal is designed to be in keeping with the existing building and to make more efficient use of the site. It therefore accords with Policy UB3 of the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review) (adopted 2000) and Policies CD100 and CD101 of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Local Plan 1991-2001 (adopted 1998).

7.3 There is local concern because there are no plans to include provision for additional on-site parking to accommodate any increase in staff using the proposed extension. However there are no plans to increase the number of staff at the school and therefore this concern is unfounded. Furthermore, the current provision exceeds parking standards contained within the Hampshire Parking Strategy and Standards (2002). Any increase in parking provision would be discouraged.

7.4 There is also concern that there is no provision to accommodate any increase in traffic generated by an increase in pupil numbers. This concern is noted. However, Chalk Ridge Primary School has a relatively small catchment area and the majority of pupils walk to school. Notwithstanding this, the Highways Adviser raises concerns that an increase in pupils is likely to have an impact on the highway network, especially as there are no pick-up and drop-off facilities. It is therefore recommended that a School Travel Plan be prepared with the aim of reducing the number of car journeys to and from the school.

7.5 Notwithstanding the local objection, the proposal accords with the Development Plan and therefore, the recommendation is that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.

Recommendation

That planning permission in respect of a two-classroom extension and library extension at Chalkridge Primary School, Sullivan Road, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke (Application No. BDB/56269) be granted, subject to the following conditions:

Time Limit

(1) The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of five years from the date on which this planning permission was granted.

Reason: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

School Travel Plan

(2) A School Transport Plan shall be produced and submitted to the Local Planning Authority within six months of the date of this permission. Upon approval by the Local Planning Authority the Plan shall be implemented as approved.

Reason: To minimise trip generation by private car associated with the development and encourage the use of alternative means of travel in compliance with the aims and objectives of PPG13.

Landscaping

(3). The trees to be retained shall be protected during building operations by the erection of protective fencing. The existing trees shall not be lopped, topped, felled or destroyed without the prior approval in writing of the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure the enhancement of the development by the retention of natural features.

8271/NC

APPENDIX

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY STRUCTURE PLAN 1996-2001 (REVIEW) (ADOPTED 2000)

Policy UB3

All development permitted in accordance with other policies of this Plan should be appropriate in design, scale, layout and density to its surroundings and contribute to the quality of the built environment.

Policy T2

Within the integrated transportation strategies, parking policies will be promoted with the aim of reducing the dependency on car use and encouraging the use of alternative modes of transport.

Development proposals will be required to conform to parking policies and standards which will take into account strategic and local objectives.