Contact: Martin Leeds, ext 6733 email: [email protected]

1. Introduction

1.1 On 29 November 2006 the Regulatory Committee deferred making a decision for the renewal of temporary planning permission for one single temporary classroom at Saxon Wood School, Rooksdown, Barron Place, Basingstoke. Members required more information on the proposal and requested a presentation from Children's Services on the proposal. The November report is attached as an appendix.

2. Reason for Deferral by Committee

2.1 The Committee was made aware of objections from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Rooksdown Parish Council, and letters from local residents. The majority of objections concentrated on the main issue of traffic problems associated with the school, and the effect on the local residential road serving the school site. Members understood the temporary classroom was known to be of a "fair" condition, but wanted to be satisfied that the building would be sound enough to last for the period covered by the proposed temporary consent. They also wanted to know more about possible long-term and permanent solutions to meeting special educational needs in northern Hampshire.

3. Chief Planning Adviser's Comments

3.1 Saxon Wood School provides for the education of pupils between the age of two and 11 years with physical disabilities and complex medical conditions. This school is the only one of its type serving the northern part of Hampshire and most of the children attending it are brought by special mini-buses. It is acknowledged that, due to parking limitations on site, there can be problems of overspill onto the nearby road, Barron Place.

3.2 The temporary classroom unit is still required to accommodate the pupils, as space within the main school building is limited. Although Members may have concerns over the condition of the temporary classroom this is not a planning matter. The condition of the unit, including its exterior, is purely a management one for Children's Services.

3.3 There have not been any further representations received since the November meeting and it is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions and an advice note concerning the suitability of the site for long term use because of access and parking issues.

Recommendations

1. That planning permission in respect of renewal of temporary permission for one single temporary classroom (Ref. 9255) at Saxon Wood School, Rooksdown, Barron Place, Basingstoke (Application No. BDB/64167) be granted for the following reason, and subject to the following conditions.

Reason for Approval

It is considered the proposal would be in accordance with the development plan (summary attached) and would not materially harm the character of the area or the amenity of local residents, and would be acceptable in terms of highway safety.

Conditions

(1) The development hereby permitted shall be for a limited period only; expiring on 31 August 2011 or when the education use ceases, whichever is the sooner. At the expiration of this period the building (as identified by reference number 9255) shall be removed and the land reinstated to its former condition as soon as possible.

Reason: To comply with Section 91 (as amended) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and to secure the visual amenity of the locality, since the building is not considered suitable for permanent retention.

(2) Within a period of six months from the date of this planning permission, a supporting School Travel Plan shall be submitted in writing to, and agreed by, the Local Planning Authority. The agreed Plan shall be implemented within a further six months from the date of its approval.

Reason: In order to reduce overspill car parking from the site on to nearby residential roads.

2. That Children's Services be advised the Local Planning Authority considers the Saxon Wood School site, by the intensity of its use and its location, unsuitable as it adversely affects neighbouring residents, and every effort should be made to find and develop a replacement site.

1181/ML

Annexe to Reason for Conditions

(as required by Article 22 of the Town and Country Planning

(General Procedure) Order 1995 - as amended)

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Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review) (Adopted 2000)

Policy UB3 (Appropriate Development)

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Adopted local Plan 1996-2011 (Adopted June 2006)

Policy E1 (Development Control)

See attached Appendix (previous 29 November 2006 Committee Report, Item 10)