Village school gets planning boost

9:13am Wednesday 14th November 2007

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A NEW village school has taken a step towards becoming a reality after planning chiefs approved the scheme.

Members of Wyre Forest District Council planning committee went against their officers' advice and gave the go ahead to a new primary school, in the green belt.

It would replace an existing school site, built in 1894.

Chaddesley Corbett campaigners have spent time and money drawing up plans to build a new village school since the idea was first mooted four years ago.

David Mills, primary school project leader, said: "We're feeling very relieved.

"We've got over the first hurdle but are conscious it is only the first hurdle."

Approval of a new build in the green belt means the proposals are automatically sent to Government Office West Midlands - which will decide if it justifies development on protected land.

If government planners are not satisfied the build could be shelved.

A decision had been deferred from a previous district council planning meeting, in July, to consider other potential school sites.

At the latest meeting, committee members ruled out alternative locations before approving outline permission for a new primary school, on land next to Rowberry's Nurseries, on the A448.

The council's planning officers had recommended refusal of the plan, favouring another possible building location in the village - called Site Seven.

Fran Oborski (Lib), district councillor, said: "We have got to kill this Site Seven thing on the head.

"Unless the Worcestershire County Council is willing to pursue a compulsory purchase order there is no question it will be made available for a school."

The approved plans set out the development's layout and scale with main school and caretaker's buildings providing for 210 pupils, a gym, a staff and disabled car park, and road access.

Chris Nicholls (Lab), district councillor, said: "Normally I go along with officers but I'm differing on this one.

"Education is vital, it's essential, it's what life's all about.

"The parish council are in favour, the public are in favour so let's get on and do it."

Further detailed plans will go before the planning committee, in December.