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Planning Statement

Including the Design and Access Statement

New Single Storey Building to provide 3 classrooms

May 2017

Radcliffe on Trent Junior School,

Cropwell Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG12 2FS

By NCC PLACE at 11:07 am, May 16, 2017

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CONTENTS

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Document

1.2 Planning Application Details 2. Design

2.1 The Process

2.2 Assessment and Local Context

2.3 Existing Physical Context

2.4 Social Context

2.5 Economic Context

2.6 Planning Policy Context

2.7 Involvement

2.8 Evaluation

2.9 Design

2.10 Use

2.11 Existing

2.12 Proposed

2.13 Amount

2.14 Massing and Quantity

2.15 Layout

2.16 The Site Layout 2.17 The Building Layout

2.18 Scale

2.19 Height and scale

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2.20 Landscaping

2.21 Landscape Design Proposals - Existing Landscaping

2.22 Landscape Design Philosophy

2.23 The Proposed Landscape Scheme

• Site Fencing • Site Circulation

2.24 Appearance

2.25 Design Solution

3. Access

3.1 Vehicular and Transport Links and Services

3.2 Inclusive Access - External / Internal

3.3 Consultations 4. Environmental

4.1 Sustainable Design features

5. Appendices

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1. Introduction

1. Introduction

1.11 Purpose of the Planning Statement Document 1.11.1 To explain the process which has informed the design as proposed in this Full

Planning Application. To be read in conjunction with the Design & Access Statement and accompanying documents.

1.12 Planning Application Details 1.12.1 The proposal is: To erect a new permanent single storey building to provide a 3 classroom unit with associated group areas and facilities

1.12.2 The scheme provides the most effective building solution to enable the LA to meet its

statutory obligation to provide sufficient places for schools parents in catchment (as in DFE (Department for Education) guidelines) for parents who want to send their children there. The new building will have a 40-60 year design life, with all finishes selected to be of a high standard.

1.12.3 The Application site is owned by Nottinghamshire County Council 1.12.4 The proposed project programme is to complete the new building in spring 2018 for

the Summer term. 1.12.5 The application is supported by a number of drawings and documents.

Junior School

Existing Proposed

School Start/Finish Times 8.45am to 3.15pm

8.45am to 3.15pm

Pupil Numbers 275

360

Published Admission (PAN) 75

90

Net Capacity 275 360

Staff Total (FTE)

1 head

12 Teachers

9 Teaching Assistants

4 Kitchen , 9 lunchtime

9 midday

Site 1

1 head

15 Teachers

10.5 Teaching Assistants

4 Kitchen , 9 lunchtime

9 midday

Site 1

Staff Full-Time

1 head

9 teachers

3 Teaching assistants

head

teachers

Teaching assistants

Staff Part-Time

6 teachers

9 teaching assistant

9 Midday (part time)

4 Kitchen

0 teachers

10.5 teaching assistant

9 Midday (part time)

4 Kitchen

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Car Parking Spaces (Total) 35

48

Disability Parking 0

1

Cycle Parking 0

0

Scooter parking 40 40

Additional Information

South Notts Academy and

Radcliffe infants

See p11 of Transport Assessment on Radcliffe as a whole

School Start/Finish Times

8.25 to 2.50 (Academy) &

8.45am to 3.15pm (Infants)

Pupil Numbers

750 Academy & 270 pupils

infants

The application is supported by the following drawings and documents: Drawings:

AL(0)01 Location Plan (separate pdf document) AL(0)02 Site Plan (as existing) (separate pdf document) AL(0)03 Site Plan (as proposed) (separate pdf document) AL(0)04 Site Sections – south (separate pdf document) AL(0)05 Site Sections – north (separate pdf document) AL(0)06 Site Sections – west (separate pdf document) AL(0)07 Site Sections – east (separate pdf document) AL(0)08 Elevations (separate pdf document) AL(0)09 Plan GA (separate pdf document) AL(0)10A BB103 External Play (separate pdf document)

Appendices: A Contamination Desktop Study (separate pdf document) B Soil Report (separate pdf document) C Soil Report 2 (separate pdf document) D Education Statement (separate pdf document) E Transport Assessment (separate pdf document) F TAPA (separate pdf document) G Coal Authority Report – contained within Appendix A

The building will have a 40-60 year design life, with all finishes selected to be of a high standard.

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2. Design 2.1 The Process

2.11 Assessment and Local Context 2.11.1 The site is within the existing Junior school site. Several positions where considered

(see end of this section)

2.11.2 The context of the village contains a variety of buildings, the predominant building materials are local brick and rendered walls.

2.11.3 The land the other side of the A52 is green belt and used for allotments generally, the development should not be visible from the Green belt due to hedge lines.

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2.12 Existing Physical Context 2.12.1 The site is near the hard play area so close to school and well connected. The area is

not in any flood zone. See map below.

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2.13 Social Context

2.13.1 Radcliffe Junior School has a 75 Planned Admission Number (PAN) and this is to

increase to a PAN of 90, it is situated in the centre of the Radcliffe on Trent in the community it serves, east of Nottingham. The proposed pedestrian access is off Cropwell Rd and via the current access along the drive.

2.14 Vehicular access remains as it is.

2.15 The three schools in Radcliffe work together to encourage walking and relieve pressure on parking by staggering start and leave times (see p 11 of Transport Assessment). This appears to be successful, and on the sample day visited (23rd February) there was ample parking space in spite of contractors parking on Cropwell Rd (a short term issue). The Academy opens up the path between the Infants and Nursery and Junior school, allowing parents to pick up and drop off at Early Years, Infants, Junior & Academy by using the linking path, thereby encouraging walking. (see p7 of Transport Assessment). Most of the Academy children from Cotgrave travel in the three busses provided which leave before the Junior school finishes.

2.16 Economic Context 2.16.1 The development will provide essential facilities to the existing established school site

and add value to the locality, by providing essential accommodation quickly for the benefit of the teaching and learning of local pupils.

2.16.2 the extended area of hardstanding adjacent to additional parking spaces 41-46 would be used to stand a fire appliance to meet the requirement of B5 of the Building Regulations.

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2.17 Planning Policy Context

Planning Policy The design process has taken account of the National Planning Policy Framework and the Rushcliffe Local Plan Part 1; Core Strategy December adopted 2014 Specific Policies relevant to the proposal are outlined below. NPPF paragraph 72 This policy gives great weight to the proposed development, in particular with regard to extending an existing school to provide additional places. The Government attaches great importance to ensuring that a sufficient choice of school places is available to meet the needs of existing and new communities. Local planning authorities should take a proactive, positive and collaborative approach to meeting this requirement, and to development that will widen choice in education. They should:

- give great weight to the need to create, expand or alter schools; and - work with schools promoters to identify and resolve key planning issues before applications are submitted.

Rushcliffe Core Strategy 2.4.1 ix - Opportunities for all: to give all children and young people the best possible start in life by providing the highest quality inclusive educational, community and leisure facilities, for instance through improving existing or providing new schools and academies. and POLICY 12: LOCAL SERVICES AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLES 1.The provision of new, extended or improved community facilities will be supported where they meet a local need, as too will the retention of existing community facilities where they remain viable and appropriate alternatives do not exist. 2. New community facilities of an appropriate scale should:

a) be located within District, Local Centres or Centres of Neighbourhood Importance, wherever appropriate; b) be in locations accessible by a range of sustainable transport modes suitable to the scale and function of the facility; and c) where possible, be located alongside or shared with other local community facilities.

3. Where new community facilities (especially health and education) are intended to serve areas covered by more than one provider, agencies

1. should work together to ensure service integration and efficient use of resources. This policy gives great weight to the proposed development, in particular with regard to extending an existing school to provide additional places. As can be seen from the Education statement the new building fulfils a local community need, numbers are being expanded gradually by half a class each year to allow for good school management. Nottinghamshire County Council have discussed the proposals with the head, governors and local councillors, who are supportive.

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NPPF paragraph 32 And Rushcliffe Policy 12 (Managing travel demand) All developments that generate significant amounts of movement should be supported by a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment. Plans and decisions should take account of whether:

- the opportunities for sustainable transport modes have been taken up depending on the nature and location of the site, to reduce the need for major transport infrastructure; -safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved for all people; and - improvements can be undertaken within the transport network that cost effectively limit the significant impacts of the development. Development should only be prevented or refused on transport grounds where the residual cumulative impacts of development are severe.

A Transport Assessment covering Radcliffe on Trent (both Infant & Junior) but also looking at Academy and Early Years in the Academy has been undertaken. The report concludes that the additional provision at the infants & junior schools (along with moving the Early Years provision) is unlikely to have a significant adverse impact on traffic flow in the area, or change road safety risk. It should be noted growth in numbers is 15 pupils a year for the next four years, which is only a small number of additional car trips a year. Further detail is in the Transport Assessment. Light Pollution A lighting scheme has not yet been designed. The location and design details of the external light fittings shall comply with Institute of Lighting Professionals Guidance for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light – Zone E2.

Emergency exit and general lighting will be required to frontage to the playground, these will be low spill and on a timer so light pollution should be insignificant.

Heritage Assessment Policy 11: Protection of Historic Environment There are no known heritage issues near the site (no buildings or areas show up on map) NPPF paragraph 132, 134 and 135 - effect of proposals on its surrounding Rushcliffe Core Strategy Policy 10: Design 7 Enhancing Local identity

The Junior unit is designed will make a contribution to the public realm providing much need services in the heart of the community.

The new building will be rendered with a brick plinth for protection and to ‘ground’ the building.

The buildings have been kept low to reduce impact on the neighbours and positioned to use the building to cut play area noise where possible.

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NPP 10: Climate Change: para 95. To support the move to a low carbon future, local planning authorities should:

• plan for new development in locations and ways which reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

• actively support energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings;

Rushcliffe Core Strategy POLICY 2 CLIMATE CHANGE 1. All development proposals will be expected to mitigate against and adapt to climate change, and to comply with national and local targets on reducing carbon emissions and energy use, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that full compliance with the policy is not viable or feasible.

The buildings are centrally located in the community thereby reducing travel emissions.

The new classrooms will largely be constructed off site, this reduces wastage encourages recycling and allows much higher quality control and reduces air leakage, all key factors in a sustainable low energy building. The very high levels of insulation and airtightness means heating is generally achieved through the occupants in a school environment, and will be topped up by an air source heat pump or other heating system, controlled by temperature & time controls. It is proposed lighting will be sufficient with suitable controls to reduce energy use. Ventilation will be user controlled, with a CO2 monitor to signal when to open windows for cross ventilation (the easiest to control form of ventilation, giving users choice). Insulation not only keeps a building warm, but reduces overheating, and ample opening windows will provide high levels of natural passive ventilation. The windows and roof lights have been designed to produce even levels of daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The building & fixed services will be designed and installed to Building Regulations (e.g. Part L). This may, where required to comply with Building Regulations involve low/zero Carbon technologies including on site renewables (e.g. Heat pumps and photo voltaic), however it is preferable to reduce energy use at source rather than add renewables to compensate, and this is the principle that is preferred. To reduce water consumption flow control technology will be used (e.g. PIR taps) along with reduce flow toilets, where practical. The guttering will be oversized to cope with storms and make allowance for future climate change.

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NPP 10: Contamination and flooding Rushcliffe Core Policy 6 para 6-10 Flood Risk and Sustainable Drainage The school is in Floodzone 1 (Environment Agency Fluvial map) Therefore sequential tests not applicable as the building is not in flood zone.

Flood Risk The Environment Agency updated surface water floodmap shows there is a risk on the proposed site. Folowing site investigation, it has become evident that the existing playing fields are drained by french drains which run parallel to the cemetery boundary and these were likely to have been constructed when the school was built. On investigation these have been found to be defective and it is proposed to design and install a new french drain system to improve ground drainage on grassed areas in proximity to the school and the location of the proposal. These will also discharge to the new attenuation system.

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Surface Water Risk A Contamination Appraisal & a soil survey is included as part of the application. Sustainable Drainage Proposal: The falling head test, along with the fact the land is on a clay base means that soakaways are likely to be unsuitable (particularly in storm conditions) and consequently attenuation is proposed, which will be located below the new area of tarmac parking / B5 fire appliance parking zone , discharging to main storm drain. . (A report detailing this will be available shortly), Attenuation will be designed to reduce peak flow to 5l/sec so reducing flood risk elsewhere. The calculations for this will follow shortly.

NPP 11: para 123 – 125 Minimising impact on noise, air pollutants Construction area & method The pupils & public safety will be key to the operations and the contractor has experience of working in numerous schools. A detailed safety plan will be prepared prior to commencement and discussed in detail with the school. The contractor will be subject to the legal constraints of the Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations and will be writing and enacting method statements to reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable. Access to site will not be permitted for deliveries during start and leave times. There are no known footpaths across the site.

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Construction methods of working:

a) The lorry routing will be from Cropwell Rd and compound will be located on the school car park adjacent to the cemetery boundary.

b) A road sweeper will be deployed to remove mud on road should this be required. c) The segregation of on site construction and children will be detailed in the CDM 2015

Construction Safety Plan documentation. (which will be available on site and updated as necessary).

d) There will be no construction traffic movements at the start and end of the school day when the drive is in heavy use.

e) There is no space on site to reuse soil and arising so this will be disposed of off site by licensed waste disposal sub contractors.

f) Site times are anticipated (except in emergencies) as 7.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays. 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and no Sunday or Bank Holiday working. The only exception to this is that mobile and modular delivery will only be safely practical outside school hours, so a full weekend day may be required.

Construction noise levels should be low due to off site construction methods. The contractor will work with local residents to reduce inconvenience as far as is reasonably practical. It is suggested that should local residents have issues with noise they should in the first instance contact the Site Manager (a letter will be dropped into all surrounding residents with contact details before works on site). Should this fail to resolve an issue it should be rapidly escalated up to Contract Manager/ Architect level to try and find a solution. School Noise Post Completion Rushcliffe Policy 10 (Design & enhancing Local identity) and Local Plan Pt 1, GP2 (Residential Amenity) It is not intended to undertake baseline noise readings. The small increase in pupil numbers would not be expected to increase noise levels perceptibly. To put into context an increase in noise level of 3dB is considered the minimum perceptible noise level increase perceptible to the human ear, which would require an approximate doubling in the number of pupil numbers with all other thing being equal.

There is a clearly established use for playing areas both within school hours (8am to 3.15pm) and for after school clubs in daylight (till 6pm), and these are not changing. We do not consider these minor changes will make the situation any different to present.

RUSHCLIFFE POLICY 16: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE, LANDSCAPE, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Effectively this policy seeks to protect green spaces & recreational facilities. Whilst the development is on green space, it avoids the playing field and is close as possible to the existing built areas, whilst still allowing playing field access for cutting machinery.

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2.8 Evaluation

An alternative location was considered for the proposal prior to the final scheme selection.

This was discounted in preference for the final proposal because:

(a) Pupils would have to cross a vehicular route

(b) A principal tree would require removal

(c) Potential noise issues and

(d) The proposal would present a long elevation to neighbouring properties

(longer than the current portacabin located in this area).

An example option appraisal sketch with new building located to front of school.

Another location was considered on the site of the existing wooden pavilion to the

rear of the school but this was rejected because construction routes would have caused significant disruption to the effective functioning of the school and the proposal would have been close to neighbouring residential property.

Overall, the proposed location of the extension is the most educationally appropriate, least disruptive, and has minimum visual impact / impact on surrounding trees, boundaries and properties.

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2.9 Design

The proposed designs and proposed locations are largely influenced by the existing school layout and site constraints i.e. proximity to neighbouring properties, site topography, ecological constraints and existing circulation routes around the school.

The 10 points to achieving good design have been key considerations throughout the process.

• A quality, inspirational design. • A sustainable approach to construction and environmental Servicing. • Good use of the site balancing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and

cars and enhancing the presence in the community. • Buildings and grounds that are welcoming and provide security. • Good organisation of spaces, easily legible and accessible. • Internal spaces that are well proportioned, fit for purpose and meet the

needs of users. • Secure external spaces • Use of new materials which complement the locality. • Good environmental conditions

2.10 Use

2.11 Existing

The Existing school is designed to provide a Junior School. The numbers on roll and PAN number (existing and proposed) are identified within the accompanying Educational Statement. Over recent years the admitted numbers have increased significantly.

The vehicular / pedestrian approach is off Cropwell Road and there is an additional public footpath approach via the cemetery boundary. See 3.1.

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Existing Site Photographs

1. Location of Appliance Standing Area (note tree) 2. Construction access route (note tree stump)

3. Existing fenced school garden retained 4. Existing trim trail – to be removed.

5. School boundary wall with cemetery (varies in height) 6. Location of proposed building (from playground)

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Proposed Use The proposals contained in this application provide three new Keystage Two teaching

spaces with associated external works to ensure compliance with with Part M of the Building Regulations.

The proposed internal floor area of the addition is 236 sq. m.

2.13 Amount

2.14 Massing and Quantity The local authority has a statutory duty to provide school places for all pupils in

Nottinghamshire who require them. This is achieved through regular monitoring of demographic changes across the county, birth rates and the expressions of parental preference, which together contribute to our pupil projection methodology.

As was the case with most other local authorities, the school year 2011/12 saw a rapid increase in the number of 4 year olds in Nottinghamshire requiring school places. This increased demand has been replicated in the current school year and forecasts show that this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

As these cohorts progress through school, the total Nottinghamshire pupil population will increase correspondingly.

Not all areas within Nottinghamshire are equally affected by this trend and the increasing impact of parental preference for specific schools creates greater demand for places in some areas than others.

The most recent review of school place provision, undertaken by the local authority’s Place Planning Team, has identified a number of areas where there is a predicted shortfall of places. This strategic review has also identified the specific schools which need to be developed to provide the necessary local and area-wide places to satisfy demand and thereby allow the local authority to meet its statutory duties.

The building work planned at Radcliffe on Trent Junior School will have the effect of increasing the net capacity of the school (see Education Statement). which is intended to satisfy forecasted demand from the school years 2017/18 onwards.

The massing has been carefully considered, being single storey 4 degree monopitch

Roofs

The Finished Floor level matches closely the existing floor level in the CLASP teaching block.

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2.15 Layout 2.16 The Site Layout

How the buildings and public / private spaces will be arranged on the site, and the relationship between them and the buildings and spaces around the site. In order to understand the design philosophy behind the organisation of the site, the following factors were further considered;

Security, Access, Natural surveillance and minimal impact on play spaces have all

been key considerations in the layout and location of the proposal on the site. The arrangement and configuration of the new proposal enhances the existing

teaching spaces whilst maintaining a distinct and discrete entrance for KS2 age children onto the existing playground whilst affording ready access to the main body of the school.

The extension can be constructed easily in the proposed location and makes use of an

underutilised area.

2.17 The Building Layout

In order to understand the design philosophy behind the organisation of the building, the following factors were considered;

The KS2 Extension is simple in nature with dedicated wc and wash facilities negating

the need to use those contained within the main school.

The proposal has been designed to provide the essential class bases at 56-60 sqm and access to playgrounds, wet areas and cloakroom spaces.

2.18 Scale 2.19 Height and Scale

There are 2 key heights proposed for the scheme which balance the extensions when viewed within context as follows; KS2

4015mm approximate Ridge height of 4 degree roof. (relative to internal FFL) 3210 mm approximate Top of Eaves height of roof. (relative to internal FFL)

The roof is aligned to minimise any shadowing impact on adjacent school buildings on the site which will enjoy access to daylight.

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The scheme proposes to use of bulkhead lighting fittings affixed to the new extension which will be connected to time controllers which will limit use to times when the school is in use. Bulkhead fittings will be limited to car-park facing elevations – subject to agreement with NCC’s Ecology Officer. Consequently the extensions will not adversely affect the surrounding environment from a noise or lighting disturbance point of view.

2.20 Landscaping

How open spaces will be treated to enhance and protect the character of a place.

2.21 Landscape Design Proposals - Existing Landscaping

Context The site lies the edge of Radcliffe on Trent with a view open fields to the southeast. The school site is flanked by domestic properties to the north and east with a cemetery to the west. There are no heritage assets in the proximity. Boundaries

The boundaries surrounding the site are of circa 2.0m (varied height) masonry walls , hedges and 2.0 and 2.4m high security fencing. Vegetation

The site contains a range of trees (some of which are substantial examples) to the north of the site. Additional planting (in tubs/frames) and hard paved areas are also present. Smaller trees and stumps are located to the western boundary. (see photos) . These will require removal to facilitate access to construct the new building. See section 3.3.

2.21 Landscape Design Philosophy

This is limited to:

• Preserving the existing mature trees wherever possible. • New footpaths and rampways. • Re-seeding grassed areas (as above)

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2.22 The Proposed Landscape Scheme

Play areas and class external playspace The KS2 playspace will contain grass seeded and reinstated macadam areas as indicated on attached plans. Existing trimtrail play equipment may be relocated to the new play area indicated on drawing AL(0)10. Similarly, playground seating and sheds may be relocated as required.

External Security Fencing No works are proposed to boundary fence lines and no additional fences are proposed.

2.23 Appearance

Design Solution

The extensions proposed are simple in design approach utilising a palette of modern materials primarily Insulated white and blue rendered walls A low blue brick plinth will match the existing building construction with a single ply grey membrane roof, UPVC or aluminium windows, aluminium doors, fascias and soffits all polyester powder coated to match existing. Material samples will be submitted for approval and conditional approval is requested in this regard.

Velux rooflights are proposed to provide additional daylight and ventilation within the classroom extensions (subject to detailed M+E analysis).

3. Access

How everyone can get to and move through the site and building equally regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, or social grouping.

3.1 Vehicular and Transport Links and Services

How the site responds to road layout and public transport provisions.

Existing service bus routes, and existing road layouts will be unaffected by the proposed works.

The proposed extensions are within reasonable walking distance to a number of residential areas, and served by established public transport links with pre determined pedestrian access routes.

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Specialist Modular manufacturers confirm that one of the existing gates / gate posts will require demolition and reconstruction. A banksman is to be proposed for the Construction Phase traffic plan to supervise turning vehicles on site and deliveries will be kept to a minimum.

Approximately 30 car park will remain in use during the works and additional temporary staff parking wil be accommodated within the bays adjacent to the school gates and adjacent to the school entrance. Existing external lights will provide sufficient lighting to illuminate the school approaches and bulkhead light fittings will illuminate the immediate area around the car park facing elevations of the new addition. As a part of the works it is proposed to mark up staff car parking bays to encourage efficient use of parking space.

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3.2 Inclusive Access – External and Internal

It is intended the premises be accessible from all approaches, and the extension will provide level access for pupils in wheelchairs.

Level thresholds will be provided throughout internally to all doorways for access and means of escape and will be graded up to the playground exterior doors. The scheme includes an accessible toilet (Building Regulations Part M Standards) within the new Foundation Unit extension

Colours will be chosen internally to contrast for visually impaired. (wall with floor and grabrails)

3.3 Detailed Specialist Consultation

Consultations and guidance to date has been undertaken and findings are detailed below.

Ecology

VIA have been approached (Nick Crouch) to discuss the ecological impacts of the proposal and these are considered to be negligible as: (a) The proposal is located on an area of cut grass (b) The proposal does not disturb existing buildings or tile hanging – although any

conduits or additional connections between new and existing structures will be planned to avoid areas where bats might roost).

(c) The access route avoids the most significant trees – see below

Tree Survey

There are two heavily pruned trees located on the construction access route – see photo below. VIA advise that these are unlikely to support viable habitats and will be removed before the nesting season.

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Heritage

The site is not in a Conservation Area and there are no heritage assets nearby. Sports Provision

The existing playing field and playground are of adequate size for the new size of the school (and comply with BB103 guidelines). Whilst there will be a loss of a trim trail this is being reinstated elsewhere on the site. See AL(0)10A. It is proposed to install a rubber crumb sub base below the trimtrail as a betterment for the school and to enable the facility to be used all year. (Currently the area of the existing trimtrail becomes waterlogged after sustained wet periods).

Construction area

The pupils & public safety is a key consideration to construction operations. A detailed plan will be presented by the Main Contractor prior to the start of works on site. The Construction Design & Management Regulations (site works) will apply once the development begins and the contractor will be writing and enacting method statements to reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable. See 3.1.

Access to site will have a limited effect on the existing pedestrian access for pupils, staff, and members of the public. A clear fenced segregated route along the cemetery boundary will be erected to protect access from this direction. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic will remain segregated at all times. It is proposed to prevent access via the school’s west-facing doors with alternative routes introduced from the playground or front entrance.

Deliveries will not be allowed on or off site during start and finish times for the school. Warning signs will also be placed at school access points to remind the public that construction works are taking place. By by utilising offsite construction techniques (which minimise site traffic) it is suggested that the risks to the public are further reduced.

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Ground Soil and Contamination Survey

A Ground Soil Survey (Doc B and C) is attached in the appendices indicating the site is underlain with sandy clay. No contamination is reported although a watching brief will be maintained in response to the DTS regarding potential hazardous buried building materials. Radon The site is not in a radon area and no additional protective measures are required.

Mining The VIA Consultant DTS report (see Appendix A) indicates that the site may be in an area of mining influence and a further retailed site-specific report has been requested in this regard. . See diagram below indicating nearest activity. The site falls within the Standing Order zone.

site

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The diagram above demonstrates that the site is not within the likely zone of any present active underground coal workings and there are presently no licences for this area to remove coal or any current plans to grant a licence to remove coal from beneath the site. There are no identified hazards associated with shallow mining or from opencast sites. A further CA site specific report will follow. Source: Coal Board. Website: http://coal.decc.gov.uk/en/coal/cms/publications/data/map/map.aspx

Travel Plan

An updated school travel plan will be submitted within 3 months of occupancy. Highways

No additional Highway issues are anticipated based on consultant data submitted as part of this planning application as the additional traffic movements after due regard to the following: Planning applications have been granted by Rushcliffe Borough Council under reference 13/00970/FUL and 15/00177/FUL for residential development that take access from the school access drive. The permissions include a requirement to widen the access drive to 4.8m for the first 8m back from the junction with Cropwell Road. That work has not yet been carried out despite two of the dwellings having been occupied.

site

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The proposed three-classroom building is anticipated to increase the number of school trips on full occupancy by 6 (Transport Assessment Paragraph 3.3) but this increase is not considered to materially affect use of the junction such that the junction improvement will be required as a necessary consequence of the proposed development. No alterations to the junction are proposed in this planning application, although the school will benefit from the widened access to be provided through compliance with conditions of the residential permissions granted. Please note however that in connection with the additional hard paved provision required for fire appliance routes, a number of additional parking bays have additionally been provided above and beyond those required for staff purposes for occasional visitor use and bus parking.

4. Environmental

How the site will promote adequate sustainable development measures.

4.1 Sustainable Design and Development

The scheme aims to deliver a high quality building that fulfils the principles of local and National Planning guidelines.

• Vision – Inspirational Place to Live, work and play • Flexible Wireless IT • Building and Grounds welcoming with good visibility and security, promoting health

and wellbeing by making provision for a variety of outdoor spaces. • Best Practice Collaborative Approach. • Design Consultations.

Sustainability • Reuse and extend existing school heating system wherever possible. • Low maintenance Materials specified where possible.

Water Management – Low Flush Toilets. • Double Glazed doors, windows. • High level of Natural daylight. • Local Core Strategy - Environmental Sustainability Option ES5 A – CO2 emissions

reduction in excess of L2 Building Regulations – Highly insulated walls/floor/roof elements.

• High Efficiency Mechanical Equipment • Foul Drainage is proposed to link into the existing system. • Gutters and rainwater pipes will be oversized to cope with a potential of increased

storm load – and will discharge to existing soakaways. End.

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