LANCASHIRE County Council is pushing ahead with plans to relocate Barnoldswick CE School to the West Craven High Technology College site.
It has now published a statutory notice outlining its intentions for the primary school, which include increasing the number of pupils from 202 to 420 and rebuilding on the Kelbrook Road site. During an initial consultation period, 47 written responses were received by the council, with 32 strongly agreeing with the proposals, seven agreeing, seven neither agreeing or disagreeing, four disagreeing and three strongly disagreeing.
In a report to Susie Charles, Cabinet member for Children and Schools, Executive Director for Children and Young People Helen Denton said: “The responses opposing the proposal came mainly from members of staff and governors at other schools in the area. Small numbers of parents of current or future pupils were also opposed to the proposal.”
She addressed a number issues that had been raised by objectors, from the decision to build next to a high school, to ways in which the money could have been spent on improvements and the impact on other schools.
She added: “Further details of plans for the school will emerge as part of the design and planning process. Stakeholders will also be given the opportunity to contribute to the final design.”
The council first outlined its plans last year after it was revealed a baby boom in the area meant there would be a shortage of primary school places. This was in addition to long-voiced calls for the cramped nature of the school to be addressed.
A further consultation is now open and comments can be sent to the Directorate for Children and Young People, Provision Planning Team, PO Box 61, County Hall, Preston, PR1 8RJ.