Agenda item

To consider an application for the development of 0.95ha of land by the erection of a new community primary school including external play areas, habitat area, car parking with drop off area and formation of new vehicular access at land to the north of Clocaenog, Clocaenog, Ruthin (copy attached).

 

Councillors Joe Welch and Merfyn Parry declared a personal interest.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill declared a prejudicial interest as he had been a member of the Modernising Education Board.

 

At this juncture, the Chair, Councillor Joe Welch stated that children from his ward attended Carreg Emlyn School and he had recently attended a photoshoot following which, some members of the public could have the opinion he had a pre-determined view of the application.  Because of this, the Chair felt it appropriate he did not take part in the debate or vote and subsequently left the Chamber for this item.

 

The Vice-Chair, Councillor Alan James took over the Chair of the Planning Committee for this one item.

 

An application was submitted for development of 0.95ha of land by the erection of a new community primary school including external play areas, habitat area, car parking with drop off area and formation of new vehicular access at land to the north of Clocaenog.

 

Public Speaker –

 

Mr Kenny Atherton (Against) - stated he had no objections to a new school but he did have concerns regarding the foul drainage and did not agree with the proposal to use a cess pool.  He stated the school design should be modern and economically green.

 

Mr Peter Lloyd (Against) – stated he represented the Clocaenog Residents Group who did not support the development on the application site.  The Group had expressed concerns the development would be in close vicinity to the Church.  Concern was expressed about the proposed cess pool which was considered environmentally unsustainable.

 

Mr Huw Wyn Jones (For) – stated he represented the Clocaenog New Build Support Group.  He explained it had been almost 3 years since the two schools had merged and the new school would be more beneficial to the pupils and ensure the community thrived.  He also expressed the point that the Support Group had no objections or concerns regarding the cess pool.

 

Mrs Sarah Jones (For) – stated she was a resident of the community, a parent, School Governor and teacher at the school.  She embraced the new school application.  The current school on 2 separate sites was proving unsustainable.    The Children deserved a building and resources fit for a changing world.

 

General Debate – The Development Manager presented an overview of the history of the site.  He explained that drainage had been an issue which had caused a delay but National Resources Wales and Dwr Cymru had held in-depth discussions and both bodies were agreeable to the cess pool, subject to conditions.

 

Regarding the siting of the school, the main building would be 140 metres from the Church.  CADW had raised no objection to the application.

 

Further debate took place and the following points were raised:

·       Due to the fact that 3 and 4 year old children were having to travel up to an hour to school, this new building would improve travelling time.

·       The building would be a modern school with a lift for accessibility, a proper football pitch and outside space.

·       Various members of the Committee expressed the fact they were in favour of the building of a new school and urged every member to support the application.

 

Proposal – Councillor Ann Davies proposed, seconded by Councillor Merfyn Parry that the application be granted in accordance with officer recommendation.

 

At this juncture, Councillor Meirick Lloyd Davies requested a recorded vote.  The Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services explained that one sixth of the Committee membership must support the request.  For Planning Committee (19 Members) it would be 3 Members.  Councillors Mark Young, Merfyn Parry, Peter Evans, Meirick Lloyd Davies and Ann Davies supported the request for a recorded vote.

 

A recorded vote took place as follows:

 

GRANT - Councillors Ann Davies, Meirick Lloyd Davies, Peter Evans, Alan James, Tina Jones, Huw Jones, Pat Jones, Christine Marston, Bob Murray, Merfyn Parry, Tony Thomas, Emrys Wynne and Mark Young.

ABSTAIN – None

REFUSE - None

 

RESOLVED that permission be GRANTED in accordance with officer recommendation.