Prince William Secondary School - Northamptonshire County Council

PLANNING
SUPPORT
STATEMENT
Prince William Secondary School
At
Herne Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire
For
Northamptonshire County Council (c/o Lend Lease)
1
Statement Prepared by
Northamptonshire County Council-Education, Lend Lease & Peter Haddon and Partners Architects
June 2015
•
P1: First Issue
03/06/2015 mtp
•
P2: NCC statement of need added
16/06/2015 mtp
•
P3: Amended as per Lend Lease comments
30/06/2015 mtp
•
P4: Re-configured as per NCC-LPA request
02/10/2015 mtp
•
P5: Ref to WNDPD & EMS removed, RNOT added,
•
Consultee reports and cross refs added.
06/10/2015 mtp
P6: Re-drafted following consultation with NCC-Education & lend Lease
22/10/2015 mtp
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Contents
1 – Introduction
2 – Site Context
3 – Planning history
4 – Proposed Development
5 – Planning Policy
6 – Assessment of the Proposed Development
7 – Conclusion
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1 – Introduction
1.1 This statement has been prepared by pHp Architects in support of a detailed planning application
as the Agent of Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) (the ‘Applicant’) for the extension of an
existing Secondary School at Prince William School, Herne Road in the village of Oundle.
1.2 The site consists of land within the existing school site. A previous consent (application ref NCC
15/00024/CCDFUL & ENC ref 15/00703/NCC) gave approval for additional car parking, an access
road, security fencing and the provision of temporary classrooms to accommodate an additional 450
children who moved up from the local middle schools in September 2015 following their closure.
(Other-wise known as phase 1 or the ‘Early Works’ project).
1.3 The further development of the site will maintain over 100 jobs for teaching and support staff,
including cleaners, caterers and admin staff.
The Applicant
1.4 NCC is the ‘Applicant and is responsible for providing education within the County of
Northamptonshire, in which Oundle is located. pHp Architects, from Milton Malsor, Northamptonshire
are the Agent to NCC for this proposal.
The Determining Authority
1.5 NCC Planning Department (the ‘Local Planning Authority’ or ‘LPA’) is the determining authority for
this application. East Northants Council (ENC) planning officers have been consulted during the early
design stage, but NCC have been designated as the determining authority and offered pre-application
consultation for the scheme.
1.6 The content and requirements for the planning application has been developed and agreed with the
LPA. This Planning Statement is part of a set of documents submitted and should be read in conjunction
with these other parts.
The submitted documents include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Application Form
Statement of Educational Need (within the Planning Statement)
Design and Access Statement
Evidence of Public Consultation (within the D&A Statement)
School Travel Plan
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6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Pre-development Arboricultural survey
Arboricultural Method Statement
Acoustic planning Statement
Flood Risk Assessment
Archaeology Statement
Transport Assessment
Bat and Badger Survey Report
Bat Survey Report
The submitted drawings include
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Existing Site Plan/Survey (including U/G services)
Existing Building Survey plans & elevations
Proposed Site Plan
Proposed Building Plans, Ground, First and Roof Levels (to both new and extended blocks)
Proposed Sections
Proposed Elevations
Proposed perspective/3D views
External Lighting plan
Air Source Heat Pump Plant Layout
Air Source Heat Pump data sheet
Existing & Proposed Drainage Plans
Landscape Strategy Drawings
Proposed Site constraints drawings (for each phase)
Pre-Application Consultee Response
1.8 To assist in developing the design proposals, we have consulted with various bodies listed below,
to seek feedback and guidance, following early advice received from NCC Planning Department.
1.8.1 NCC Planning
A Pre-Application Consultation was conducted with NCC-planning 12 May 2015 prior to the submission
of this application. Agreement was reached on the necessary reports required to support this application
(as noted in item 1.6 above).
1.8.2 Environment Agency
Following discussion with the Environment Agency a Flood Risk Assessment has been
prepared by JPP consultants and submitted with the Planning Application (Ref JPP
consulting R-FRA-S7426FA-01-0). Item 6.4 - P18 of the conclusion states:‘The surface water drainage from this site, post development, is such that the surface water will be
managed and disposed of within the site boundary, thus complying with the Planning Practice
Guidance for ‘Flood Risk and Climate Change’ to the National Planning Policy Framework. Based on
the above, providing the above strategies are adopted the developed site will not contribute further
to flood risk thus satisfying the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework.’
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1.8.3 Archaeology
The Senior Archaeological Advisor to NCC Planners was consulted prior to this application. (Ref email dated 16th July 2015, included in the application) it states:‘ I have checked the Historic Environment Record . The area has previously been quarried and as such
there will be no archaeological survival. I will not require any archaeological investigation as part of
the development.’
1.8.4 Highways
Several meetings/discussions with NCC Highways were undertaken by JPP Consulting Engineers to
develop the proposals for the Early Works/temporary accommodation planning application, prior to
this submission. This included a Transport Assessment which has been submitted with this
application by way of record (Ref: R-TS-S7426FA-02 - Revision B: April 2015). Planning approval was
granted for the provision of the temporary accommodation as well as new parking, re-organised bus
parking and security fencing (Ref: NCC 15/00024/CCDFUL & ENC ref 15/00703/NCC). These works
have been constructed on site and no additional parking or changes to the Highway are proposed as
part of this application.
1.8.5 Ecology
The NCC Senior Environmental Planner was consulted prior to this application. A desktop survey was
requested along with review of the protected species records from the Bat Group County Mammal
Recorder, the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre. A Preliminary Bat Report and review
of potential badger activity was also requested. Lockhard Garret were appointed to undertake a Bat
and Badger Report (Ref: Bat and Badger Survey v2 JW 270715) and subsequent site based Bat survey
(Ref: Bat Report v2 SH 070915), both of which have been submitted as supporting documents.
1.8.6 Arboriculture Surveys
The existing trees on the site have been surveyed by Middlemarch Environmental, a Predevelopment Arboriculture Survey (Ref: Report No: RT-MME-119201-01) and Arboricultural Method
Statement (Ref: Report No: RT-MME-119201-02) have been submitted as part of this application.
1.8.7 Acoustics
A planning Statement form SRL is included in this application (Ref: 41938 - T01 - Planning (acoustic
report) which includes site test data undertaken at the school site. Details of proposed external plant
for the Air Source Heat pumps located at the roof level plant deck to the Science block is also
included as part of this application. (Ref: 141220-M-1700 P1 (ASHP plant layout) & CAHV PI Sheet
(ASHP-data sheet).
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1.8.8 Sports Facilities.
The extension of the sports hall will enable the school to provide a full size basketball court or 4 No.
badminton courts to enhance the PE facilities at the School.
The Temporary Accommodation approved as part of the Early Works (Ref: NCC 15/00024/CCDFUL &
ENC ref 15/00703/NCC) was located on the site of an existing netball court. Once the new buildings
proposed in this application are complete, the temporary accommodation will be removed and the
netball courts reinstated. No sports facilities will therefore be lost in the long term.
1.8.9 Community Engagement
Public Consultation was held with Neighbours, parents, students, and prospective parents at an
exhibition held at the school on 28th April 1015. A series of presentation boards for the site and each
specific area of development was used to illustrate the scheme. An opportunity was provided for
comments in the form of feedback sheets, details of which are included in the Design & Access
Statement section 3.2(P5).
1.8.10 External Mechanical Plant
Details of the roof plant to the Science and Sports block, requested at the pre-planning consultation with
NCC have been include in the application (see BSD plant layout dwg 141220-M-1700 P1(ASHP Plant
Layout) and supporting data sheet ref: CAHV PI Sheet(ASHP data sheet) their location is indicated on pHp
dwg 4157/ A202 (Science) and pHp dwg 4157/A253(Sports) and 4157/A221-P3.
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2. Site Context
2.1 The application site measures 1.62 Ha and sits within the overall campus/school playing field which
measures 8.08 Ha. (Ref pHp Design & Access Statement section 6.0 p15).
2.2 Prince William School sits on the South Eastern edge of the historic village of Oundle, just above the
flood plain of the River Nene that bounds the village to the South and East. It is accessed via Herne Road,
a predominantly residential street of two storey dwellings and bungalows . (Ref pHp Design & Access
Statement sections 1.0 & 2.0 p2-3).
2.3 The site is bounded by housing to the North, East and South-east and is accessed by Herne Road. An
existing field to the eastern boundary is currently being developed by Kier homes Ltd following the
Demolition of 25 Herne Road for construction of 86 dwellings including conversion of Herne Lodge into
four flats and associated works’ (East Northamptonshire Council, ref: 12/01614/FUL).
2.4 The existing housing is mixture of ages, styles and materials including two-storey, Victorian buff brick
construction, post war rendered & pebble-dashed construction and later 1960’s / early 1970’s buff
brickwork bungalows. A red brick three storey residential care home, Cheremy Grange & a private
residential dwelling, Beaumont House are located to the South of the site, directly opposite the school
entrance. The School sports pitches extend to the East, until they meet the Main A605 trunk road that
bypasses Oundle, linking it to Northampton & Thrapston in the South and Peterborough to the North.
(Ref pHp Design & Access Statement sections 2.1 p3).
2.5 According to the Historic Environment Record, the site area has previously been quarried. A steep
slope exists between the developed school campus and artificial sports pitch and the lower sports playing
field. (Ref to e-mail dated 16th July 2015 included in application documentation from County
Archaeological Advisor).
2.6 Vehicular access and egress is off Herne Road which terminates at the School boundary. The school
has on-site designated parking for both the school staff, school bus parking, the on-site Nursery and Army
Cadets. (ref pHp dwg 4157/01 site strategy plan).
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3.0 Planning History
The school has occupied the site since 1974 and has been periodically developed over the subsequent
four decades. Infill development has occurred with a series of infill blocks and extensions to the campus,
the most recent of which includes:
3.1. Installation of a roof mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
Date of Decision 28 October 2011
Application Ref: 11/00063/CCD, ENC – 11/01484/NCC
3.2. Construction of a below ground Foul Pumping Station adjacent to and to replace the existing Foul
Pumping Station.
Date of Decision 4 August 2010
Application Ref: 10/00036/CCD, ENC – 10/00973/NCC
3.3. New Vocational Learning Centre.
Date of Decision 5 January 2009
Application Ref: NCC – 08/00096/CCD, ENC – 08/02147/NCC
3.4. Construction of an extension to form changing facilities and associated teaching area.
Date of Decision 14 December 2007
Application Ref: NCC – 07/00066/CCD, ENC – 07/02206/NCC
3.5. Installation of a three classroom mobile science laboratory and a double mobile classroom unit.
Date of Decision 28 June 2007
Application Ref: NCC – 07/00010/CCD, ENC – 07/00973/NCC
3.6 Temporary accommodation
The Early Works application relates to enabling works to provide temporary accommodation to provide
additional teaching space for the increase in school population of 450 additional students. (ref NCC
15/00024/CCDFUL & ENC ref 15/00703/NCC). This also included increased bus and car parking
provision, a new access road and the erection of security fencing.
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4.0 Proposed Development
4.1 The following text is a Statement of Need prepared by NCC education in support of the proposed
development.
4.2 Introduction
The need to extend, re-organise and develop new buildings at Prince William School has arisen from
the changing education system in North East Northamptonshire. The change to 11-18 secondary
education on the Prince William site is to be implemented from September 2015 in advance of
permanent extensions being built. A separate planning application has been made and approved for
the siting of temporary accommodation for the interim period to serve the additional student
numbers before these current proposals for an £8m investment in permanent new facilities at the
school, are completed by October 2017.
The County Council’s Cabinet granted final approvals for the change to a two tier education system
on 11 November 2014 including the accommodation solutions for each school and the transition
arrangements that would be required for implementation in September 2015. In the case of Prince
William, this means that an extra 450 pupils will be attending Years 7 and 8 at the school for the first
time, whereas previously 55% of them would have been in Oundle at the Middle School, and 45%
were in Thrapston at King John Middle. The case for change has been an educational one, as
education results have been consistently below expectations for the area. Prince William School
provides the Key Stage 4 curriculum (GCSEs) and Sixth Form offer for the whole of NE Northants and
the change of age-range to create an all-through 11-18 secondary school instead of a 13-18 upper
school is a key part of the strategy to improve results and lifetime opportunities for all pupils in the
area.
4.3 Background
NE Northamptonshire is the only part of the county that currently has a three tier system of
education with lower, middle and upper schools. There are nine lower schools with an age-range of
4 – 9, two middle schools for pupils aged 9 – 13, and a single upper school (Prince William) for pupils
aged 13 – 18. The area also includes Easton Garford Endowed CE Primary School. This was a lower
school (4-9) until September 2013 when its age range was changed to 4-11 years of age following a
statutory process initiated by the Governing Body. The two middle schools are The King John School
at Thrapston and Oundle & Kings Cliffe Middle School in Oundle. The middle schools are technically
deemed secondary schools by the Department for Education (DfE), but provide education for two
year groups of primary Key Stage 2 children (Years 5 and 6) and two year groups of secondary Key
Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8). Children then transfer to upper school for the final year of Key Stage 3 in
Year 9 prior to selecting GCSE courses at Key Stage 4. The last major education re-organisation in the
county was the Northampton Review when the three tier system was replaced with a pattern of
primary and secondary schools, again with the underpinning rationale for the change being the need
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to improve educational standards. Since those decisions in 2002, the educational landscape has
changed considerably and a number of other factors have contributed to the decision to implement
the change in NE Northants including changing legislation and governance for school organisation
arrangements, and financial and estate issues associated with pupil numbers and longer term
viability of schools. When the Northampton Review was implemented there was a £200m capital
investment
via a large group schools PFI contract; the accommodation implications arising for schools in NE
Northants will not be a PFI solution and will be dealt with via conventional procurement. The closure
of the Northampton Middle Schools was also phased over two years, and this is not the case for NE
Northants, where a single date of transition was preferred. The Middle Schools in Oundle and
Thrapston will therefore close on 31 August 2015 and the new arrangements will be in place for the
start of the 2015-16 academic year. The education review in East Northamptonshire has had several
stages of consultation and received final Cabinet approval on 11th November 2014.
The Head teacher and Governing Body have been involved in the development of the plans for the
new school buildings.
Description
4.4 The proposed development comprises:
•
•
•
•
A New Science Block-GIA 1956m2 (14 Science laboratories, prep rooms and associated WC’s
staff rooms, team base rooms etc) Ref: pHp dwgs 4157/A200-202 for plan details and areas.
Performing Arts Block – 214m2 (Block C0 - Music & Drama). Once the existing science block is relocated to its new home, it is to be extended and adapted to accommodate a multi-purpose 280
seat theatre, Music Classrooms, a Dance studio, and Music practice rooms. The proposed
Theatre seating is to be foldaway bleacher type seating to enable the hall to continue to be used
for sports and examinations. Ref: pHp dwgs 4157/A204, A205 & A221 for plan details and areas.
Sports Hall & Sixth Form Extension – 214m2 (Block F0) the sports hall is to be extended to
facilitate a full size basketball pitch/4 badminton courts. The sixth form teaching accommodation
is also to be extended with classrooms, individual study carrels, a conference room, cyber café
and wc’s. The extension will also facilitate the re-location of the school reception to the front of
the school with admin support. Ref: pHp dwgs 4157/A251-A253 for plan details and areas.
Extended Security Fencing (to northern boundary and associated external works to each
extension) Ref: pHp dwg 4157/237-P1
4.5 Internal re-organisation and re-furbishment of the existing Admin area and special needs provision is
also to be undertaken . However, it is to be noted that this does not form part of the planning application
and is therefore indicated outside of the application area (Ref: pHp dwgs 4157/01 & 15).
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4.6 The use and amount of development is detailed in the Design Access Statement (Ref: section 6.0p15). In brief, the proposals indicate an Increase in GIA of 2,829m2. However, the loss of the existing
mobiles of 540m2 brings the overall gain in GIA to 2289m2.
4.6 Parking: No additional parking provision is included in this application, as this has already been
approved (and constructed) as part of the Early Works planning approval, ahead of the arrival of the
additional students starting school in September 2015.(ref: pHp dwg 4157/01 for layouts)
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5.0 Planning Policy
5.1 The purpose of this section is to outline the local and national planning policy context for the
planning application site.
The key documents reviewed for this project include:
•
•
•
North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy, adopted June 2008.
National Planning Policy Framework, March 2012
Rural North, Oundle & Thrapston Plan, July 2011
Reference/guidance has also been drawn from the following documents to inform the design
proposals (although not specifically referenced within this supporting statement):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Northamptonshire strategic plan for schools 2010 – 2021
Building Bulletin 87: Guidelines for Environmental Design in Schools
Building Bulletin 93: Acoustic Design of Schools
Building Bulletin 98: Briefing Framework for Secondary School Projects
Building Bulletin 100: Design for fire safety in schools
Building Bulletin 101: Ventilation of School buildings
Building Bulletin 103: Area guidelines for mainstream schools
The Building Regulations Approved Documents (latest editions)
We have reviewed the above documents and highlighted the relevant policies/sections (using their
references) which have informed the design basis for this project and added an explanation and
commentary box advising the specific reference to this project.
We have included a ‘Statement of Planning Need’ prepared by Northamptonshire County Council by
their Strategic Planning department, within the Children, Families and Education Directorate to
underpin the justification for the proposed school development. This is provided at the beginning of
this Planning Support document, to explain the reasons and educational criteria which have
generated the inception and scoping requirements for the project
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6.0 Assessment of the Proposed Development
6.1 In the following sections we have assessed the proposed development
against different requirements, including planning guidance/ local documents,
community and sports requirement, highways and transport, flood risk,
archaeology and ecology.
6.2 We have extracted the key sections from the planning guidance documents
and justified how each item has been achieved.
6.3 We believe that where possible we have conformed to relevant requirements
listed in the following documents.
6.4 The National Planning Policy Framework, (NPPF 2012), (National Planning Policy)
6.4.1 Preamble. The proposals set out in the full planning application for the expansion of Prince
William School embrace and follow the guidance set out in the National Planning Policy Framework,
(NPPF 2012) where the guidance is directly applicable and relevant. This is reflected in the designs
for the scheme, the process and approach adopted in developing the designs and the engagement
and consultation with all relevant parties undertaken throughout the development of the designs.
Further detail can be found in the Design and Access Statement prepared in support of this planning
application. This section sets out those specific and relevant areas within the NPPF addressed by
this scheme.
6.4.2 Paragraph 7. There are three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and
environmental. These dimensions give rise to the need for the planning system to perform a number
of roles:
(i) An economic role – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by
ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to
support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development requirements,
including the provision of infrastructure;
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The proposals to expand Prince William School will underpin and contribute to the economic
development of the area by providing additional employment for both teaching and non-teaching
staff at the school. The school will also contribute directly to the economic wellbeing of the area
through providing school leavers with the necessary skills and talent required to contribute to the
economic success of the area.
(ii) A social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the supply of
housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by creating a high
quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs and
support its health, social and cultural well-being; and
The proposals to expand Prince William School will contribute directly and indirectly to supporting
and maintaining a strong, vibrant and healthy community in and around the town of Oundle. The
provision of education for eleven to eighteen year old students for the local community and the
opportunity for the community to have enhanced access to sports, recreation, education and
leisure facilities will contribute directly to the health, social and cultural wellbeing of the town and
surrounding area.
(iii) An environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic
environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently,
minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change including moving to a low
carbon economy.
The proposal satisfies the environmental dimension set out in Paragraph 7 of the NPPF by
improving biodiversity on the site replacing the existing tarmacadam of the Science block site with
a green roof. The buildings will also include renewable energy sources and has been designed to
achieve low-energy in-use in line with all relevant regulations and best practice.
6.4.3 Paragraph 17. (Extract)
(i) Always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity for all existing and
future occupants of land and buildings;
The proposals to expand Prince William School are all to a high standard of design; architecture and
landscaping which respect and enhance the character of the surroundings the Design and Access
Statement for the scheme set out the detail on how this is achieved.
(ii) Take account of and support local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for
all, and deliver sufficient community and cultural facilities and services to meet local needs.
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The proposals support the local community by directly and indirectly improving health, social and
cultural well-being for both the students and local community.
6.4.4 Paragraph 28. Planning policies should support economic growth in rural areas in order to
create jobs and prosperity by taking a positive approach to sustainable new development. To
promote a strong rural economy, local and neighbourhood plans should support the sustainable
growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas, both through conversion
of existing buildings and well-designed new buildings;
The proposals to expand Prince William School will support and help in maintaining the local
economy in the town by increasing the number of people who work and learn in Oundle. By
expanding and improving the educational facilities within the community this in turn will maintain
existing and create additional jobs within the local community.
6.4.5 Paragraph 35 and 36. Plans should protect and exploit opportunities for the use of sustainable
transport modes for the movement of goods and people. A key tool to facilitate this is the Travel
Plan. All developments which generate significant amounts of movement should be required to
provide a Travel Plan.
(i) Over 80% of students travel to school from outlying locations by school bus. This is a more
sustainable alternative than the car.
(ii) The school have produced an updated Travel Plan as part of these proposals which set out the
strategies, targets and monitoring procedures for ensuring the maximisation of sustainable
transport modes.
6.4.6 Paragraph 56. The Government attaches great importance to the design of the built
environment. Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, is indivisible from good
planning, and should contribute positively to making places better for people.
The proposals set out in this application adopt high standards of design. The designs are tailored to
meet the specific needs of the school and are bespoke in nature. The new buildings will provide a
positive improvement to the fabric of the school in terms of both overall accommodation, energy
performance and visual interest.
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6.4.7 Paragraph 57. It is important to plan positively for the achievement of high quality and
inclusive design for all development, including individual buildings, public and private spaces and
wider area development schemes.
The proposals make full recognition of the wider site context and have considered the need to
provide robust, high quality materials and design for the long term benefit of students, teachers
and the local community.
6.4.8 Paragraph 58. Local and neighbourhood plans should develop robust and comprehensive
policies that set out the quality of development that will be expected for the area. Such policies
should be based on stated objectives for the future of the area and an understanding and evaluation
of its defining characteristics. Planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that
developments:
(i) Will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over
the lifetime of the development;
The proposals have been developed as a long-term solution, not a ‘quick-fix’ to the pressure of
delivering additional school pupil places.
(ii) Establish a strong sense of place, using streetscapes and buildings to create attractive and
comfortable places to live, work and visit;
The building design creates a robust and durable external envelope, which will provide a
comfortable and pleasant working/learning environment (maximising the benefits of natural
ventilation and natural light wherever possible).
(iii) Create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do
not undermine quality of life or community cohesion; and Are visually attractive as a result of
good architecture and appropriate landscaping.
The proposal supports the local community (both as a school and in the wider context for
other community uses). The design of the architecture has been developed both functionally
and aesthetically and fully integrated with a site wide improvement to security following the
provision of new security fence to the perimeter to create a safe, yet accessible site. In
particular the design and layout of the site accommodates the addition of years 7 & 8 students
to the cohort.
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6.4.9 Paragraph 59. Local planning authorities should consider using design codes where they could
help deliver high quality outcomes. However, design policies should avoid unnecessary prescription
or detail and should concentrate on guiding the overall scale, density, massing, height, landscape,
layout, materials and access of new development in relation to neighbouring buildings and the local
area more generally.
(i) The proposals give careful consideration to the scale, density, massing, height, landscape; layout,
materials and access in relation to neighbouring buildings and the local area more generally.
Specific supporting detail can be found in the Design & Access Statement in support of this
application.
(ii) Pre-Application advice has been sought from the NCC Planning team to ensure the proposals are
considered and appropriate to the site.
6.4.10 Paragraph 60. Planning policies and decisions should not attempt to impose architectural
styles or particular tastes and they should not stifle innovation, originality or initiative through
unsubstantiated requirements to conform to certain development forms or styles. It is, however,
proper to seek to promote or reinforce local distinctiveness.
The design has been developed as a fully bespoke architectural solution specifically for the site at
Prince William School. The architects have engaged with the school, teachers and the local
authority throughout the full development of the designs this has ensured the immediate site
context has been fully accounted for in developing the scheme. The proposals are wholly unique to
this scheme.
6.4.11 Paragraph 66. Applicants will be expected to work closely with those directly affected by their
proposals to evolve designs that take account of the views of the community. Proposals that can
demonstrate this in developing the design of the new development should be looked on more
favourably.
The Design Team undertook a detailed engagement with the local public/community and consulted
with them on the scheme. The head teacher, school manager, governors and specialist teachers
have all been fully engaged throughout the design process. All comments and feedback from the
school and local authority have been incorporated in the design subject to physical and financial
constraints. The subject heads for Science, Sport, Music and Drama have all been fully engaged and
consulted in relation to the designs.
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The school in turn have engaged with the local town council and have attended their local
meetings. Comments have been incorporated and significant positive feedback has been received
for the scheme throughout the development of the designs.
This involvement provided an opportunity to discuss and get support from those who would be
living close to and using the new school.
A Pre-Application Public Consultation event was held at the school on 28th April 2015, which was
attended by approximately 100 people from the local community (16 completed feedback forms
were received). The majority of comments were in strong support of the proposals (both in terms
of good design, improved school facilities and size/space and improved energy efficiencies/user
comfort).
The only other comments expressed a desire to provide additional cycle/scooter parking and soften
areas with additional landscaping to the frontage. (see Design & access Statement for details)
6.4.12 Paragraph 70. To deliver the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services the
community needs, planning policies and decisions should: Plan positively for the provision and use of
shared space, community facilities (such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural
buildings, public houses and places of worship) and other local services to enhance the sustainability
of communities and residential environments;
The proposals in this application will provide new opportunities and extend access to existing
sports, art, leisure and recreational facilities and other services for the community of Oundle and
outlying settlements.
6.4.13 Paragraph 72. 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:
(i) Give great weight to the need to create, expand or alter schools;
The whole purpose of these proposals are to expand the education provision at Prince William
School by providing the area with a single secondary school responsible for the delivery of
education to all eleven to eighteen year old students. Further the expansion of the school will
cater for the growing demand for education associated with the net inward migration to the
area supported by the increased development of housing in and around the town of Oundle.
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(ii) Work with schools promoters to identify and resolve key planning issues before applications are
submitted.
We have consulted with numerous Statutory Authorities (including NCC Planning) and have
undertaken regular meetings/discussions with the school and all key stakeholders to ensure the
proposals are in line with their requirements, prior to submitting this Application.
6.4.14 Paragraph 74. Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including
playing fields, should not be built on.
The proposed new buildings and extensions to existing buildings are located on existing developed
areas of the site. These areas are currently either paved, occupied by mobiles or tarmacadam. This
has been done in order to avoid encroaching onto the sports pitches or sports field.
Although the netball court is being used for the modular classrooms, this will be reinstated once
the temporary accommodation is no longer required, following completion of the permanent
works.
The proposals include the extension of the existing Sports Hall and Gymnasium increasing the
scope of sports activities available on the site.
6.4.15 Paragraph 109. Providing net gains in biodiversity.
The new Science building has been carefully considered to protect the existing environment and
ecology on adjacent sites, retaining and protecting significant high value trees and hedges on the
site. The site selected for the building is an already developed area of Tarmacadam serving a
mobile classroom. The proposed green roof will enhance biodiversity for the entire footprint of the
building.
6.4.16 Paragraph 125. By encouraging good design, planning policies and decisions should limit the
impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature
conservation.
The design of all external lighting has fully taken into consideration the ecology of the site. The
design has been created to mitigate light pollution and to provide an environment which preserves
the habitats for birds, bats and other creatures sensitive to light.
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6.4.17 Paragraph 188. Early engagement has significant potential to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the planning application system for all parties. Good quality pre-application
discussion enables better coordination between public and private resources and improved
outcomes for the community.
Consultation with the Local Planning Authority and other statutory bodies has taken place. The
school and governors have been actively involved and fully engaged in the design process from
feasibility through to detailed design. The Education Authority have been actively engaged
throughout the design process. A public consultation has taken place on April 28th 2015.
6.4.18 Paragraph 190. The more issues that can be resolved at pre-application stage, the greater the
benefits . For their role in the planning system to be effective and positive, statutory planning
consultees will need to take the same early, pro‑active approach, and provide advice in a timely
manner throughout the development process. This assists local planning authorities in issuing timely
decisions, helping to ensure that applicants do not experience unnecessary delays and costs.
Full account has been taken from the feedback provided by all pre-application discussion the
outcomes from which have been effective and have had a demonstrably positive impact on the
scheme. The design and layout of the Science Block, external landscaping and screening have all
benefited from extensive pre-application discussions with all stakeholders. The inclusion of solar
panels and a green roof in the scheme are as a direct result of pre-application discussions and
engagement with stakeholders.
6.5 The North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy, (Regional Planning Policy)
6.5.1 Preamble. The North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy was adopted in June 2008. The
Strategy predicts a growth in population in the region from 298,000 to 370,000, (24%) between 2006
and 2021. The core urban settlements within the region are identified as Wellingborough, Corby and
Kettering. A majority of the predicted population growth will be centred on these core settlements
however Oundle, Raunds and Thrapston are identified as key Rural Service Centres.
The Strategy was put together to relate to area covered by Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and
East Northamptonshire Councils (of which Oundle relates to).
This sets out an overview of North Northamptonshire’s characteristics, spatial strategies (the big
picture of ‘when’ and ‘where’ activity, development and investment is preferred) and further
information on ‘what’ is needed to make development a success.
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The Regional Strategy also contains the following objectives:
•
•
•
•
•
•
To achieve a major increase in the number of new homes provided for the area, meeting
needs for affordable housing and a range of types and sizes of market housing;
To provide for a commensurate level of economic growth and developing skills in the
workforce, particularly in the high value, knowledge based sectors;
To locate development in the main urban areas to support urban renaissance, regeneration
of deprived areas, recycling of land and sustainable patterns of travel;
To ensure that development contributes to an improved environment, by requiring high
standards of design and sustainable construction, protecting and enhancing environmental
assets (including landscape and biodiversity) and providing green space and related
infrastructure (Green Infrastructure);
To meet existing infrastructure needs and provide for requirements generated by new
development, by investing in new and improved infrastructure, by planning to reduce the
need to travel and by creating a shift to more sustainable modes of travel; and
To create sustainable communities by ensuring that economic, environmental, social and
cultural infrastructure needs are met in step with growth.
This proposal contributes proactively to many of the above objectives by delivering a high quality
design solution, which both, protects and enhances landscape and biodiversity (by the introduction
of a green roof, new planting etc.), reducing the need for travelling (by expanding the capacity of
the Secondary school provision in the town to meets the needs of an expanding population) and
creating sustainable communities (by providing enhanced community use facilities within the new
building, and allowing for the social and cultural infrastructure needs to be reinforced).
The core vision for North Northamptonshire clearly emphasises the importance of the rural East in
the strategic direction is sets out the need for:
“A strong network of vibrant settlements with excellent transport connections will have developed
through growing and regenerating the towns of its urban core and strengthening the centres that
serve the rural east.”
The primary driver for the expansion of Prince William School is the decision to transform the
delivery of education within East Northamptonshire by moving from a three to a two tier model.
The proposed expansion of the school to provide a single education facility for eleven to eighteen
years olds serving the whole of East Northamptonshire will serve to underpin the vision to
strengthen the rural service centres in the east of the region.
The decision to move to a two tier model for the delivery of education in East Northamptonshire
will strengthen not just the settlements of Oundle and Thrapston, (Rural Service Centres) but also
the network of smaller surrounding villages by increasing capacity at local primary schools. These
villages include Kings Cliffe, Warmington, Polebrook, Nassington, Titchmarsh, Galpthorn and
Aldwincle.
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The vision set out in the Strategy also identifies the following as a critical success factor.
“A step change in growth in homes and jobs will have been matched by investment in infrastructure.
Services and facilities. Creating a more self sufficient area, better able to meet the needs of local
people to play an enhanced role in the UK.”
The expansion of Prince William School will fully support the vision for the area to attain self
sufficiency by providing a single viable secondary education facility for East Northamptonshire.
Again the general migration from a three to two tier delivery in the area will also assist in building
self sufficiency.
6.5.2 Item 2.1 Increase in population.
The proposed increase in Published Admission Numbers, (PAN) at Prince William School of 450 will
support the predicted growth in population as set out in the Strategy.
6.5.3 Item 2.4 The towns of Oundle (population 5,700), Raunds (8,500) and Thrapston (5,700) are
identified in the Regional Strategy as Rural Service Centres. They provide what this Plan terms a
‘Rural Service Spine’ serving a large rural catchment.
The Strategy identifies Oundle as a significant location at the Northern end of the ‘Rural Service
Spine’. The proposals to expand Prince William School will underpin, maintain and assist in
strengthening the town within the region.
6.5.4 Item 2.14 Employment Patterns. North Northamptonshire has a larger (than the national)
share of its employment in the manufacturing, wholesale and transport and communications sectors
and a relative lack of jobs in more ‘locally serving’ sectors of retail and other services (mostly tourism
and leisure), health, education and public administration.
The expansion of the school will have a direct positive impact in terms of shaping local employment
patterns by providing employment opportunities in the education sector. The new and enhanced
facilities at the school will directly contribute to changing employment patterns in the area.
The new buildings contain a larger Hall and Performing Arts building and rooms which will be used
for Community activities this will contribute positively to ancillary health, community and sports
related industries.
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6.5.5 Objective One - Green Living. Sets out the vision and aspirations for creating an
environmentally sustainable and green environment.
“Ensure that development in North Northamptonshire becomes a benchmark for ‘green living’ and
makes it easy for people to live in an environmentally friendly way through using the highest
standards of design (including energy efficiency/renewable energy, sustainable construction methods
and green technologies), promoting green industries and ensuring sustainable transport choice. This
will maximise environmental performance and community safety and encourage healthy lifestyles.”
The new buildings have been designed to maximise the use of natural and passive systems to
ensure low energy use in operation. The buildings orientation and form have been carefully
considered to regulate the internal conditions to achieve a comfortable space for the occupants
(such as using deep roof overhangs and Brise Soliel to limit solar glare and excessive solar gain
during summer months but allowing for beneficial solar warmth during the winter).
The building will exceed the Building Regulations standards in terms of thermal insulation values
and air-tightness to reduce on-going energy costs and to ensure the main items of heating plant are
reduced in size to appropriate levels.
The design will provide a minimum of 10% of its energy demand from on-site renewable
technologies by utilising Photovoltaic (PV) panels located on the roof and Air-source Heat pumps.
6.5.6 Objective Two - Environment.
“Enhance and manage the built and natural resources of North Northamptonshire in a sustainable
and integrated manner and in the context of major growth and the challenges of climate change. To
bring about a step change in biodiversity management and a net gain in Green Infrastructure;
retaining and enhancing landscape and townscape character and distinctiveness, through the
opportunities afforded by development and investment.”
The proposed scheme is a mix of refurbished, extended and new build. The proposals include for a
new build Science Block. This building has been carefully considered to protect the existing
environment and ecology on adjacent sites, retaining and protecting significant high value trees
and hedges on the site. The site selected for the building is an already developed area of
Tarmacadam serving a mobile classroom.
The proposed green roof will enhance biodiversity for the entire footprint of the building. The
design of refurbished and extended spaces has fully considered the use of low energy and carbon
neutral materials.
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6.5.7 Objective Six – Infrastructure and services
“Secure provision of the infrastructure, services and facilities needed to sustain and enhance existing
communities and support the development of North Northamptonshire, including establishing the
priorities for future public and private investment and collaboration, to build confidence in North
Northamptonshire for investors and others.”
The expansion of the PAN for Prince William School and the change to a secondary facility catering
for eleven to eighteen year olds within the East Northamptonshire catchment area will directly
contribute to sustaining and enhancing existing communities supporting the development of North
Northamptonshire by increasing the attractiveness of the town and surrounding area in terms of
housing, infrastructure development and other inward investment.
6.5.8 Objective Eight– Quality of life
“Strengthen the quality of life throughout North Northamptonshire by supporting initiatives that
build stable, safe, healthy and strong communities; respecting cultural diversity and distinctiveness;
planning new development to help reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime;
promoting well-being and health; ensuring that development is of local character; and supporting
area based renewal.”
The provision of an enhanced secondary school within the town of Oundle will contribute directly
to maintaining and enhancing a safe, healthy and strong community. The enhanced and extended
sports, cultural, leisure and recreational facilities offered by the proposals to develop the school
will enable the school to develop and strengthen its ties with the local communities. The proposals
will enable the school to take on a proactive role in developing the local character of the town and
surrounding areas.
6.5.9 Spatial Strategy.
6.5.9.1 Item 3.6 The vision and objectives can be amplified into the following key spatial themes that
underpin this Plan for North Northamptonshire.
A. Establishing a strong network of settlements that make North Northamptonshire more selfsufficient in terms of access to jobs, shops, leisure, arts and culture, affordable homes and services
such as education and training. The general approach will be to meet needs as locally as possible.
The proposals meet the aspiration set out in the Strategy to enhance the self sufficiency of Oundle
in terms of its education provision by providing facilities that are appropriate to meet the changing
education needs into the 21st Century. The proposals will also provide the additional capacity to
meet the increased demand from the town and surrounding catchment area in future years.
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C. Enhancing the green framework of open spaces, waterways and other natural, historic and
recreational assets. Promoting the highest environmental quality within North Northamptonshire
through adopting high standards for design, energy efficiency/renewable energy and sustainable
construction.
D.
The principles utilised in terms of the proposals adopt high standards of design that are tailored to
enable a fully bespoke approach to the site context. This has been further enhanced by engaging
with both the school and the Education Authority. The proposals exceed current standards for
energy efficiency (building fabric thermal performance and limiting air leakage, which in turn
affects M&E plant requirements and on-going energy in-use costs). Renewable energy sources will
be provided on site to generate a minimum of 10% of the building energy requirements.
6.5.9.2 Items 3.8 & 3.9 A rural strategy based on the growth and enhancement of the Rural Service
Centres of Oundle, Raunds and Thrapston and on meeting local needs in the villages, recognising the
need for overall restraint in the countryside.
Oundle has been identified as having particular significance as a ‘Rural Service Centre’. The
proposals to expand and enhance the secondary school provision within Oundle are therefore
directly in line with the recommendations of this policy, to reinforce the community.
6.5.9.3 Item 3.40 The proposed housing growth will need to be supported by improvements to the
physical and social infrastructure. This includes the roads, sewers, utilities, waste management
facilities and public transport services needed for development to work, and the facilities such as
schools, libraries, leisure centres, museums, green infrastructure, health and social care
infrastructure and open spaces that make sustainable communities. Improved infrastructure is
necessary to cater for a growing population and also to deal with existing deficiencies. Without first
class infrastructure North Northamptonshire will not attract the people and investment it needs and
development will not improve the quality of life for existing communities.
The proposals are to extend and enhance the secondary education provision for Oundle and the
rural surrounding areas.
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6.5.9.4 Item 3.76 This plan will help to create these jobs in a prosperous and diverse economy by
promoting:
3. Supporting enhancement of skills is the local workforce to provide a more dynamic and
flexible labour market;
4. Safeguarding employment sites which are of the right quality and suitably located in
relation to infrastructure and neighbouring uses. This will include safeguarding employment
land allocations for a range of uses in support of a balanced economy;
The proposal to enhance and extend the School will drive the enhancement of skills to the local
workforce and in particular will safe-guard and increase employment from the existing School
supporting a balanced, local economy.
6.5.9.5 Item 3.80 Development will be focused on the Growth Towns of Corby, Kettering and
Wellingborough, with major expansion of town centres, redevelopment of other sites within the
urban areas, and carefully planned Sustainable Urban Extensions. This will be complemented by
modest growth at the Smaller Towns and Rural Service Centres, which will support existing services
such as local schools and shops.
As noted, it is anticipated that ‘modest growth’ will be required and will be supported within the
Rural Service Centres (of which Oundle relates back to as a significant location in the ‘Rural Service
Spine’), particularly relating to local schools. The proposals submitted by way of this Application
directly enable part of this objective.
6.5.10 Building Sustainable Communities
6.5.10.1 Item 4.1 The Government’s short definition of sustainable communities is that they are
“places where people want to live and work, now and in the future”. Key points for measuring this
are that such communities should be “active, inclusive and safe, well run, environmentally sensitive,
well designed and built, well connected, thriving, well served and fair for everyone”.
Item 4.2 Sustainable communities are those that incorporate sustainable development. The goal of
sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs
and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life for future generations.
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The proposal reflects these aspirations by creating a modern, efficient building which provides a
comfortable environment for work and learning. The school will enable Oundle to meet its
Secondary Education needs for the foreseeable future.
6.5.10.2 Policy 13 General Sustainable Development Principles.
“Development should meet the needs of residents and businesses without compromising the ability
of future generations to enjoy the same quality of life that the present generation aspires to.”
Development should meet needs that:
(a) Incorporate flexible designs for buildings and their settings, including access to amenity space,
enabling them to be adapted to future needs and to take into account the needs of all users;
The proposal has been designed to incorporate a range of flexible, multi-use rooms and facilities in
order to respond to the changing education and community needs over time.
The use of steel frame designs allows for ultimate flexibility for future sub-division of the internal
spaces (as all internal walls are non-load bearing) and can be rearranged or adapted in the future.
(b) Seek to design out antisocial behaviour, crime and reduce the fear of crime by applying the
principles of the “Secured by Design” scheme;
The proposal takes account of the principles of ‘Secure by Design and includes the provision of a
new security fence and access gates to significantly improve the security of the existing school site.
(c) Maintain and improve the provision of accessible local services and community services, whilst
focusing uses that attract a lot of visitors within the town centres;
The proposals to expand, extend and enhance the school and its facilities will improve the level of
sports, leisure and cultural facilities available to the local community. The increase of the PAN at
the school by 450 will have a positive impact on the numbers of visitors to the town of Oundle.
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(d) Have a satisfactory means of access and provide for parking, servicing and manoeuvring in
accordance with adopted standards;
Areas of new vehicle parking and re-organisation of the existing Bus-parking have been developed
by the consulting Civil Engineers engaged on the scheme. These proposals have already received
planning approval following consultation with NCC Highways (over several iterations) to ensure the
proposals are appropriate for the size and scale of the development and intended use.
Manoeuvring of Buses have been tracked through the site (via the one way drop-off zone) to
ensure adequate space is provided for turning/swept paths to access, park and exit the site.
(e) Be designed to take full account of the transport user hierarchy of pedestrian-cyclist-public
transport-private vehicle, and incorporate measures to contribute to an overall target of 20%
modal shift in developments of over 200 dwellings and elsewhere 5% over the plan period;
The project has already gained approval for Early Works for additional works, within the site
boundary, to widen the entrance footpath on the approach to the school site, to improve the
pedestrian route to the existing school site.
These Early Works have completed. A new covered cycle parking will be provided to encourage the
older pupils to cycle to school (and this can also be used for scooters for the pupils, to further
walking to school).
(f) Not lead to the loss of community facilities, unless it can be demonstrated that they are no
longer needed by the community they serve and are not needed for any other community use, or
that the facility is being relocated and improved to meet the needs of the new and existing
community;
The proposal includes improvements, and extensions to the existing sports hall and the
development of a Performing Arts space with Bleacher seating to provide multi-format, multi-use
spaces over and above the existing school facilities. This greatly increases the opportunity for
community groups to use the school facilities.
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(g) Not lead to the loss of open space or recreation facilities, unless a site of equivalent quality and
accessibility can be provided, serviced and made available to the community prior to use of the
existing site ceasing.
The proposed extensions are to be built on areas already developed within the school campus to
avoid encroaching onto the sports field. There will be no loss of any recreational facilities, open
spaces or sports facilities as a result of this development.
(h) Raise standards to be of a high standard of design, architecture and landscaping, respect and
enhance the character of its surroundings and be in accordance with the Environmental Character
of the area;
The proposals are all of a high standard of design. The architecture and landscaping fully respect
and enhance the character of their surroundings. (This is covered in far more detail with supporting
justification in the supporting Design & Access Statement).
(i) Create a strong sense of place by strengthening the distinctive historic and cultural qualities
and townscape of the towns and villages through its design, landscaping and use of public art;
The proposed building design greatly improves the sense of place. The extension to the Sports Hall
& Sixth Form have provided an opportunity to re-locate the school Reception to the front of the
school, directly opposite the entrance. Rather than the current arrangements where the reception
is tucked back into the cluster of buildings.
It presents a modern, immediately accessible face to the community in place of the blank gables of
the existing buildings fronting the site.
(j) Be designed to promote healthier lifestyles and for people to be active outside their homes and
places of work;
The proposals include measures to encourage walking and cycling to school. The extended
facilities, i.e. extended Hall & Gym form a much larger space to allow for variety of sports and
games to promote active, healthy lifestyles.
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(k) Allow for travel to home, shops, work and school on foot and by cycle and public transport.
The Early Works undertaken at the school have already significantly improved the Bus Parking
facilities at the school. A new covered cycle parking provision will also be provided to encourage
the older pupils to cycle to school. This facility can also be used for scooters for the pupils to
encourage walking to school.
(l) Protection of assets. The scheme will not result in an unacceptable impact on the amenities of
neighbouring properties or the wider area, by reason of noise, vibration, smell, light or other
pollution, loss of light or overlooking;
The proposals have been carefully considered in terms of siting, scale, materials, design and
landscaping so as not to result in any unacceptable impact on any neighbouring properties or the
wider area with regard to the items stated above. The New Science Block is the closest building to
the Boundary, but has been located where an existing bank of trees will help screen the building
from the adjacent residential dwellings.
Any external plant (Air Source heat Pumps) to the Science Block will be located in a plant enclosure
on the flat roof areas. This is both to allow for easy access for maintenance (via the internal
staircase provided) and to provide visual screening and resist acoustic break-out. The solid parapet
designed for roof level has been lowered to eaves level with a balustrade inset into the roof plan to
effectively lower the apparent height of the building similar to the adjacent Maths block. The main
entrance to the Block is located to the south elevation, away from the housing, with just and
escape stair route to the boundary to reduce noise impact.
(m) Be constructed and operated using a minimum amount of non-renewable resources including
where possible the reuse of existing structures and materials;
Whilst the building is a new construction, the selection of construction materials and their
specification will be developed to include materials using recycled content and environmentallyfriendly sourcing. The existing sites are not occupied with buildings other than mobile classrooms
or hard paving, however, these can be recycled. The energy performance of the external envelope
has been designed in excess of Building regulation requirements to reduce the energy demand,
which will also be supplemented by air-source heat pumps and Photovoltaics.
(n) Not have an adverse impact on the highway network and will not prejudice highway safety;
Prior to this application an Planning approval was given for an Early Works package of additional
parking and re-organisation of the existing Bus Parking in consultation with NCC Highways, to
ensure the proposals are appropriate and do not have any adverse effect on the highway network
or highway safety. These Early Works have now completed.
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(o) Conserve and enhance the landscape character, historic landscape designated built
environmental assets and their settings, and biodiversity of the environment making reference to
the Environmental Character Assessment and Green Infrastructure Strategy;
These proposals fulfil the objectives by protecting existing high value tees and hedges and
enhancing landscape and biodiversity (by the introduction of new planting and a green roof to the
Science Block on an area currently occupied by a mobile classroom and tarmacadam).
(p) Not sterilise known mineral reserves or degrade soil quality;
The proposal will not sterilise any know mineral reserve or degrade soil quality.
(q) Not cause a risk to (and where possible enhance) the quality of the underlying groundwater or
surface water, or increase the risk of flooding on the site or elsewhere, and where possible
incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and lead to a reduction in flood risk.
The green roof and on-site attenuation will be used to limit the run-off flow rate to acceptable
standards.
6.5.10.3 Policy 14 Efficiency and Sustainable Construction.
Development should meet the highest viable standards of resource and energy efficiency and
reduction in carbon emissions. In particular:
(b) Elsewhere, development proposals should demonstrate that:
i. the development incorporates techniques of sustainable construction and energy efficiency
The building has been designed to maximise the use of natural and passive systems to ensure low
energy use in operation. The building orientation and form have been carefully considered to
regulate the internal conditions to achieve a comfortable space for the occupants (such as using
deep roof overhangs and Brise soliel to limit solar glare and excessive solar gain during summer
months but allowing for beneficial solar warmth during the winter). The building will exceed the
Building Regulations standards in terms of thermal/insulation values and air-tightness to reduce ongoing energy costs and to ensure the main items of heating plant are reduced in size to appropriate
levels. It also uses a central atria to provide daylighting and ventilation deep into the plan.
ii. there is provision for waste reduction/recycling
Secure storage areas are provided within the site (and located adjacent to the Kitchen) to contain
various propriety bins for recycling separation and general, non-recyclable waste.
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iii. there is provision for water efficiency and water recycling
The building will include water saving measures such as dual flush toilet, and aerated taps. Water
butts will be provided to some external rain water pipes to assist in saving, or re-using water for the
school managed initiatives for growing vegetables and plants.
iv. residential development involving 10 or more dwellings or 0.5 hectares or more of land, and nonresidential development involving 1,000 square metres gross floor area or 1 hectare or more of land
should demonstrate that at least 10% of the demand for energy will be met on-site and renewably
and/or from a decentralised renewable or low-carbon energy supply
The building will provide a minimum of 10% of its energy demand from on-site renewable
technologies, which is intended to be PhotoVoltaic (PV) panels located on the ‘flat’ roof, as well as
air-source heat pumps.
6.6 Rural North, Oundle and Thrapston Plan 2011, (RNOTP Local Planning Policy)
6.6.1 The Rural North Oundle & Thrapston Plan (RNOTP) was adopted in 2011 and reflects the
previous three tier pattern of education in North East Northamptonshire with lower, middle and
upper schools. The move to a two tier system of primary and secondary schools is therefore not
reflected in this document although many of the policies in the Plan are still applicable, particularly
Policy 1: Settlement Roles.
6.6.2 In the Area Wide Spatial Policies (Section 4) Oundle is identified as a Rural Service Centre,
which means it is to be considered a focal point for infrastructure where “the service base of the
town will be diversified and extended.” (See 6.5.3 Item 2.4 North Northamptonshire Core Spatial
Strategy).
The proposal to expand the age-range of Prince William School means that the focus for secondary
education in the area is reinforced at Oundle, as pupils will be attending the school from the age of
eleven onwards up to the age of eighteen if they choose to stay on at the school.
The proposals to expand Prince William School directly support and enable the outcomes and
vision set out in Policy 1: Settlement Roles under Section 4.0 Area Wide Spatial Policies of the
RNOTP.
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6.6.3 The RNOTP talks about the settlement hierarchy for the area where there are different levels of
local services and roles of towns and villages to form a network.
The proposed organisation of schools reflects this hierarchy with Prince William becoming the hub
for secondary education in the Plan area, for pupils to move on to after completing their primary
education at ten primary schools in the surrounding villages as well as Oundle and Thrapston. This
also fits the Economic Policies of Section 7 where “in particular Oundle has been identified as
serving an extensive rural hinterland.”
The rural primary schools in the catchment area are located at Glapthorn, Nassington, Warmington,
Titchmarsh, Aldwincle and Polebrook.
6.6.4 Section 8 of the RNOTP makes specific reference to Prince William in the context of planned
development rather than the circumstances associated with educational re-organisation. Policy
OUN5 (page 74) does however establish the principle that additional school infrastructure can be
delivered at the Prince William site and there will be development of new school buildings. There is
reference to any new buildings being “at least equivalent in terms of size, usefulness, attractiveness
and quality”
The proposals are for the provision of high quality teaching spaces to deliver specialist subjects in
Science, Music Drama & Sport to students aged 11-18 in an attractive manner. The scale of the new
buildings and/or extensions are two storey and are equivalent in size scale and material to the
existing buildings.
6.6.5 The overarching aim of the educational reorganisation, and specifically Prince William
becoming a 11-18 secondary school, is the desire to raise educational standards. The reports that
have been presented to Cabinet during 2014 have highlighted that GCSE and A-level performance
have been below expectations and national benchmarks. Part of the strategy to address this is to
remove the extra transition involved in the three tier system and align curriculum accountability and
progression to the key stages and school phases.
6.6.6 Section 3 of the RNOTP endorses higher educational attainment as one of the identified
outcomes of the Sustainable Communities Strategy 2008-15. Paragraph 3.8 specifically refers to
healthy, fulfilled and balanced lifestyles as a social outcome that can be achieved by “increasing the
capacity of local educational establishments to cater for the increasing population and drive up local
expectations and educational achievements.”
The current proposal signals a major investment in facilities at the school and aspirations of higher
educational achievements.
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6.6.7 Policy OUN5 – PRINCE WILLIAM SCHOOL – This policy recognises the need for Prince William
School and its playing fields to expand to the east, north-east or south-east of its current premises as
part of its identified need.
The proposed site for the Science building is to the north-east of the existing buildings. The Sports
Hall, Sixth form extensions and new Reception are located on the south-east of the existing school
site and are therefore compliant with this policy. The temporary accommodation currently located
on recreation space, will revert back to recreation when the modular building is removed, once the
new facilities have been completed.
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7.0 Conclusion
7.1 Within this document we have described the scope and nature of the proposal and have identified
the planning policies which impact upon a project of this scale and use type. The proposed development
contributes both directly and indirectly to the objectives set out in the North Northamptonshire Core
Spatial Strategy.
7.2 There is a need to increase accommodation and capacity at Prince William School in order to
transform the delivery of education from a three tier to a two tier delivery model in the area. The
Statement of Need identifies the requirement for the extension and development of the existing school
site in the context of the educational landscape in this area of Northamptonshire.
7.3 The town of Oundle and the wider North East Northamptonshire area will benefit from the future
planned investment in education facilities.
7.4 The project facilitates the long term transformation of the Site delivering benefits to the local
community.
7.5 All matters set within national guidance, local policy and/or material considerations can be met
fully either now or through the application of subsequent planning condition(s). There is no known
impediment to prevent approval of the Proposed Development.
36
Revision E - 15 September 2015
Prince William School Extension & Refurbishment
Herne Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire
Design and Access Statement
4157/A2.1 : May 2015
This Design and Access Statement explains how the proposals for
the New Science Block and extensions have been formulated. The
statement describes the site characteristics and surrounding
context, and explains the design approach that underpins the
proposals.
Background to the Brief
The primary brief and driver for the proposed scheme is to
accommodate additional students transferring from years 7 & 8 of
the feeder schools in the local area, following a change by the local
education authority to the Lower, Middle & Upper School system.
The change by Prince William to a Secondary School will take effect
as of September 2015 and see the student population increase from
828 students (including 162 sixth form) to 1390 (including 193 sixth
form) by September 2015. The Maximum student capacity will be
1582 (including 232 sixth form students).
In the short term, temporary accommodation will be provided for
these increased numbers by construction of a modular building
‘Learning Village’, which will be located on the existing netball court
(see hatched area on pHp dwg 4157/01) to the rear of the allweather pitch (see separate planning approval ref
15/00024/CCDFUL & 15/00703/NCC for details)
Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Scope and Content
2.0 Assessment
2.1 Physical context
2.2 Planning Policy, social and
economic contexts
3.0 Involvement
4.0 Evaluation
4.1 Constraints
4.2 Opportunities
4.3 Existing Building-Details
4.4 Character examples
5.0 Design Evolution
5.1 Previous design
5.2 Initial concept
5.3 Scheme refinement
8.0 Landscaping
9.0 Scale
10.0 Appearance
11.0 Materials Pallette
12.0 Crime Prevention
12.1 Boundary Treatment
12.2 Cycle security
12.3 Lighting
12.4 External Doors and Windows
13.0 Access
13.1 Vehicular & transport provision
13.2 Site access
13.3 Detailed Access Statement
6.0 Use and Amount of development
7.0 Layout
The scheduled program (subject to planning approval) is to begin a
phased construction in early 2016 for the main body of the works,
with overall completion of the project in autumn 2017. The
Temporary accommodation can then be removed from the site.
Rev A: issued for consultant comments
03 June 2015
Rev B: Section 3.0 updated with consultees-FRA
16 June 2015
Rev C: Pages 4, 5, 6, 20 & 27 revised in accordance
with Lend Lease comments
30 June 2015
Rev D: Note added regarding response from NCC Archaeological
advisor – Page 4
20 July 2015
Rev E: Areas updated to Section 6.0, Updated generally for
planning application
15 September 2015
150527mp4157A2.1-D&A Statement
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1.0 Introduction
This Design and Access Statement is submitted on behalf of
Northamptonshire County Council Education and in support of
a Planning Application for a new Science Building, a series of
extensions and general refurbishment of the Prince William
School Site.
New
Housing
Site
The Design and Access Statement has been prepared by Peter
Haddon and Partners.
Peter Haddon and Partners (pHp) is a modern Architectural
Practice with broad range of expertise developed over four
decades. pHp are experienced in the delivery of education
projects and have also received Four RIBA EM design awards
in recent years, including two awards for Northampton School
for Boys, Briar Hill Nursery and the Stewart Hall Building at the
Open University in Milton Keynes.
2.0
View along track at
end of Herne Road
Allotments
Prince
William
School
Assessment
Science
Playing Field
The design process commenced with an understanding of the
characteristics of the site and its surrounding context, as well as
the planning policy guidance relevant to design and access at
the site. pHp have previously worked on this site in 2007-2010
where they successfully completed the Vocational Learning
Centre (now known as the ALC block).
2.1
Physical Context
View back towards
Herne Road
The site (outlined in red opposite) has been occupied by Prince
William Upper School since 1974.
Google Earth – Aerial View
Reception
Bus Parking
Views to Site entrance on Herne Road
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Sports Hall &
6th Form
Staff Parking
Dance Studio & Sports
Changing
Artificial Sports Pitch
Panoramic View of School site from exit gate
Cadets
& Nursery
2.1 Physical Context (continued)
Prince William School sits on the South Eastern edge of the historic
village of Oundle, just above the flood plain of the River Nene that
bounds the village to the South and East. It is accessed via Herne
Road, a predominantly residential street of two storey dwellings and
bungalows.
The site is bounded by housing to the North, East and South-east and
is accessed by Herne Road. An existing field to the eastern boundary
is currently being developed by Kier homes Ltd following the
Demolition of 25 Herne Road for construction of 86 dwellings including
conversion of Herne Lodge into four flats and associated works’ (East
Northamptonshire Council, ref: 12/01614/FUL).
Site
The existing housing is mixture of ages, styles and materials including
two-storey, victorian buff brick construction, post war rendered &
pebble-dashed construction and later 1960’s / early 1970’s buff
brickwork bungalows. A red brick three storey residential care home,
Cheremy Grange & a private residential dwelling, Beaumont House
are located to the South of the site, directly opposite the school
entrance.
The School sports pitches extend to the East, until they meet the Main
A605 trunk road that bypasses Oundle, linking it to Northampton &
Thrapston in the South and Peterborough to the North.
Google Earth – Aerial view
Typical views of housing along Herne Road
(from Google Earth – Street View)
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2.2 Planning Policy, social and economic context
A full Planning Support Statement is included as a separate document with this application,. It
covers the local and national Planning Policy documents, outlining a specific response to the
proposal in terms of planning policy, social and economic context.
3.0 Involvement
3.1 Consultation with Northamptonshire County Council Planning Department
Over the course of developing the design proposals for these works, we have liaised with
representatives of the NCC Planning Department and have attended various meetings to ensure that
the emerging design proposals meet with their requirements, both in terms of satisfying Planning Policy,
high quality of Architectural design and relevant Statutory consultees.
We have undertaken various pre-Application consultations (as recommended by NCC Planners)
including:
•
•
•
•
•
NCC Archaeology
NCC Highways
NCC Environmental Planner
NCC Flood Toolkit
Environment Agency/Lead Local Flood Authority
As a result of these consultations, further reports were obtained from the following organisations:•
•
•
•
Ecology Report – Lockhart Garratt (including Bats & Badgers)
Middlemarch Environmental Consultants (Tree Survey)
JPP Consulting Engineers-Flood Risk Assessment.
JPP Consulting Engineers-Traffic Impact Assessment
Comments received from NCC Highways were received and acted upon by JPP Consulting Engineers
as part of their Traffic Impact Assessment report as part of the Early Works planning application, which
covered the additional car parking and bus parking reorganisation. This gained approval on 22nd May
2015 (NCC ref 15/00024/CCDFUL & ENC ref 15/00703/NCC)
The following statement was received from the County Archaeological Advisor – ‘I have checked the
Historic Environment Record. The area has previously been quarried and as such there will be no
archaeological survival. I will not require any archaeological investigation as part of the development.’
Full details of the above consultation recommendations and actions are submitted as part of this
Planning Application.
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3.0 Involvement
3.2 - Community Consultation
A Pre-planning Consultation evening was held on 28th April
2015 to enable the proposals to be publicised to local
residents/neighbours, existing parents/students and
prospective parents/students from the middle schools.
The event was held in the School Library attended by both
school staff, representatives from NCC and the Design Team
to help explain the scheme around an exhibition of the
proposals.
Approximately 100 people attended this event and 16
‘Feedback Forms’ were received. The comments have been
collated by Lend Lease and tabulated by way of record. The
proposals were largely received with positive comments, with
a few suggestions where the scheme could be improved.
(e.g. additional bike/scooter parking, additional soft
landscaping etc.). These will be addressed as part of the
Design & Access Statement in the Planning approval
submission.
The Pre-planning Consultation centred around a series of
presentation boards giving details of the project overview, site
overview as well as a board illustrating each key area
including the Early Works, New Science Block, Sports Hall
Extension/6th Form/Reception and Performing Arts Block.
(see illustrations adjacent)
A summary of the comments that have been acted upon are
as follows:•
Inclusion of additional landscape planting to soften the
building.
•
Inclusion of additional scooter/cycle parking for years 7&8
•
Improvements to Areas for outdoor recreation at lunch
times.
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4.0 Evaluation
4.1 Constraints
Key project specific constraints to the proposed New Buildings and
extensions have been identified in order to shape the development
include the following:
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Mature trees: are located on the southern boundary adjacent to
the site entrance and northern boundary in the adjoining residential
properties. See Middlemarch Environmental Arboricultural
Implication Assessment Report and Tree Constraints Plan for
details. Care will be needed to ensure the root protection zone
around these trees is maintained for the duration of the Build. A
small spinney of trees provides a significant buffer between the
existing housing and the proposed site of the New science Block.
Topography & Landscape features: The school site sits on a
plateau above the flood plain to the river Nene. A significant slope
bounds the developed part of the site to the east and south, below
which the sports pitches are located. The school plateau has a
gentle slope from the south-west to north-east corner. This
necessitates that each building is set at a different finished floor
level with a small flight of steps between blocks (and often between
areas within each block). This has resulted in extensive and
complex use of external steps, planters and ramps between
buildings to negotiate the level differences.
The School Site has been extensively developed since its initial
construction in the 1970’s and is occupied by a series of blocks
serving different subject disciplines. Many areas that were originally
courtyards have been infilled with development to provide additional
accommodation., leaving few sites available for the proposals.
Adjoining Open Space. The open nature of the land immediately
adjacent to the site should be respected and the development
contained wherever possible within the existing cluster of buildings.
Ecology. NCC Senior Environmental Planner has requested that
the consultation is made with the local bat group and the site
checked for any badger activity. (see separate reports included as
part of this application).
Nearby Residents: The site is adjacent to residential dwellings to
Herne Road to the South and West, a new housing development
currently being constructed to the West. Housing is also found
immediately north of the proposed Science Block site but is
separated by existing trees and hedges.
Access points: Herne Road provides the only access in and out of
the site. A green lane continues beyond Herne Road to the
Southern Boundary, but no vehicular access is possible between
here and the A605 main road.
Separation of Pedestrians and Vehicular Traffic: Existing
footpaths are found to Herne Lane(only), however separation of
vehicle, pedestrians and cyclists could be improved by use of a
wider footpath entrance into the site from the southern west corner,
before the vehicular access point.
Water Resources: Existing attenuation has been installed to the
site in recent years to alleviate flooding. This should also be taken
into account with attenuation provided to avoid any increase in outflow from the site to ensure no increase in flood risk.
+6
Opportunity for new
Frontage
Prince
William
School Site
Existing Vehicle
Parking
Fence need for security
Pedestrian Route
Bus Route
Potential New Vehicle
Parking
Existing Recreation Space
Landscape Planting Bed
Potential Building Site
Existing Landscape buffer
Staff
Parking
New Vehicle
Parking
4.2 Opportunities
The following project specific opportunities have been taken
into account in shaping the proposals:
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Improve Cycle &
Pedestrian Route
Cycle
Park
Vehicular
Site Entrance
Staff
Parking
New Reception
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Improve
Bus Turn
Artificial
Sports pitches
+
Orientation
Opportunities Plan.
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Site shape: The existing building line is governed by the
physical geography of the site. The school sits on a plateau
several meters above the sports/pitch flood plain. Very few
areas remain undeveloped. The playground/mobiles area
adjacent to the Vocational Learning Centre is screened by
trees from the adjacent housing and is the last available site of
sufficient size to accommodate the 14 classrooms required.
Public Frontage: The proposed extension to the Sports Hall
and Sixth Form is an excellent opportunity to create a public
frontage and more prominent Reception immediately adjacent
to the car park and site entrance. The existing reception is
tucked away in a single storey low key building that is difficult
to identify when visiting the school for the first time.
Relationship to Landscape: The school site is bounded by
some mature trees and hedging which affords a level of privacy
to both the school and the adjacent residential dwellings.
Distant views afford contact with the predominantly rural
landscape of East Northamptonshire.
Building Orientation: The proposed New Science block Site
occupies the North-East Corner of the site and as such must
be designed to maximize the benefit of passive solar gain
whilst balancing this against solar overheating and good daylighting to reduce energy requirements. Each elevation will
need individual care to maximise the benefit and reduce
running costs through the use of solar shading, size and
window orientation. The orientation of the building gives
opportunity to provide a sheltered activity external space whilst
affording protection from the South-Westerly prevailing wind.
Articulation: The new buildings scale, massing and its
relationship with the existing building line clearly identify it with
the adjacent school buildings. However, its physical mass
needs to be broken down to a more human scale by use of the
ground floor entrance canopy which defines the entrance and
provides external shelter for children outside. The same
material (the metal cladding) can assist in identifying the
entrance to each new building to help navigate around the site.
Accessibility: The new building is well served by the school
local bus routes which is the predominant means of access to
the school. An opportunity exists to improve the pedestrian and
cycle access from Herne Road by widening the footpath to the
site, enabling cyclists and pedestrians to be separated from the
main vehicular entrance to assist in securing their safe
entrance and exit from the site. There is ample opportunity to
provide improved disabled parking immediately adjacent to the
new Reception building with ramped access.
Google Earth – Aerial view (pre-Vocational Learning)
4.3 Existing Building – Details & Characteristics
The School is constructed in a collegiate form as a series of
specialist blocks defined by their taught subject in single and two
storey heights, in a variety of external materials including buff
brickwork, blockwork and metal cladding panels. The sloping
nature of the site defines not only the location of the buildings in
relation to the sports pitches, but also necessitates a series of
ramps and short flights of both external (and internal steps)
between blocks to provide access.
Gymnasium &
Science
Vocational Learning Centre
Science
Maths
Performing Arts
Gymnasium & Science
Admin, Library & ICT Block
Dining Hall & Stage
English, MFL’s
Sports Hall
English, MFL’s, Reception
Sixth Form
Social Science
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4.4 Character Examples influencing the Design
An open atrium, good daylighting, solid robust materials, with specific
feature highlights in both form and materials.
Berkhamsted School –pHp Architects
National Film and Television School
Glenn Howells Architect
Berkhamsted School
pHp Architects
Feilden Clegg Bradley: Chelsea Academy, London
Studio E Architects Hackney Academy
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5.0
Design Evolution
5.1 Initial Concept – Science Block
The new Science Building design was determined by the need to
provide 14 up-to date modern science laboratories for GCSE &
Advanced Level Science in a single block, rather than spread out in
different buildings across the school campus. The physical
constraints of the site have largely determined the buildings location
and form. A 11kV Electric cable in the ground to the south-east and
north of the site perimeter determines the available footprint to the
building, as does the bank of trees to the North and east and existing
buildings to the south and west.
The building was conceived as a pinwheel of classrooms around a
central atrium/circulation space affording good communication links,
a sense of openness and good daylighting. ‘Science on show’, was a
key phrase picked up from the school (both internally and externally)
How could the building communicate the activity both physically and
educationally? Green roofs, solar panels, solar shading, air-source
heat pumps, and daylighting were considered as part of the buildings
development.
Extract of feasibility plan identifying site
for New Science Block
+ 10
Extract of Site Survey plan identifying site for New
Science Block with constraints
5.0
Design Evolution
5.2 Initial Concept – Sports Hall extension,6th Form & New Reception
The existing sports hall is a windowless black box that is used for
both sports teaching and student exams. Early on it was evident that
the proposed extension provided an opportunity to introduce some
natural light into what was a very dark space . As the building which
sits closest to the entrance of the school site, it also provided the
means to present a new frontage to the school and would ideally be
suited to form the new school Reception area. The dark brown
cladding of the end gable could be transformed by the introduction of
a translucent cladding material to provide some visual stimulus to
what is a blank gable. There is a significant level difference between
the existing floor slab of the sports hall and the existing changing
area(1.35m) which needed to be taken into take account in the
external approach to both buildings. Again this gave an opportunity
to create a feature that identified the different functions of each part
of the extension. The 6th Form study carrels became a special
feature expressed in the external form to clearly identify it in the
elevations
Existing Sports Hall interior
(no natural daylighting)
Extract of feasibility plan identifying site
for Extension
Sketches illustrating end gable
transformation to create new face to
school entrance
+ 11
Existing Sports Hall exterior
with almost blank end-gable fronting site entrance.
5.0
Design Evolution
5.3 Initial Concept – Performing Arts Block
The existing Gymnasium sits adjacent to the existing Science Block.
A very simple shed-like building of basic steel frame and corrugated
metal clad construction. With the need to remove the existing stage
to extend the dining hall to accommodate the increased numbers of
students and the arrival of a new Science block and extended Sports
Hall, the Gymnasium and existing Science facilities can be
transformed into a Performing Arts Block. The adoption of bleacher
seating enables the building to be used either as a theatre with
raked seating, theatre in the round, Dance studio and/or Sports
teaching and examination space. By taking out the end gable of the
Gym and extending out into an underused courtyard, not only could
the theatre seating be realised to accommodate a whole year group
for assembly, but also an enclosed foyer space, to enable
performances to be seen by parents and students. Once the new
Science block has been constructed, the existing classrooms in this
area can then be reorganised to serve as Music performance
classrooms, Music practice rooms, a recording studio and ensemble
rooms.
Extract of feasibility plan identifying site
for Extension
Sketches exploring potential
for theatre style seating
and foyer
+ 12
Existing Gymnasium exterior
with almost blank end-gable
Existing Gymnasium interior
5.4
Scheme Refinement & Previous design Iterations
Following the development of the initial sketches and two-dimensional space
planning of each of the buildings, we were keen to test the ideas in three
dimensions and utilized our computer modelling software to construct a CAD model.
This has the advantage of both communicating the scheme in a very real and
immediate way to the client, but also provides an opportunity to test how the
building responds to the site and the orientation of the elevations by use of daylight
simulation/shadows.
It also helped reinforce the building’s identity through the feel of the shapes and
surfaces. To realise this fully, each of the proposed New Build elements was
modelled separately.
At this point, the 3D-models had not been assigned materials, but were an exercise
in form only, which needed to be seen in context before they could be fully realised.
.
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5.5
Scheme refinement in Site-wide context
To realise the design fully, each of the proposed New Build
elements was modelled, as well as the adjacent blocks (seen
here in grey) to see the new elements in context.
It was evident that although each of the buildings worked as
individual elements, they also needed to work as a whole
scheme. Although the Science block is a new building, when
seen in context, it is tucked away at the back of the site and is
less prominent from Herne Road than then Sports
extension/6th Form/Reception. It also highlighted the need to
have some common element that differentiated the new
elements from the existing. One of the things that is quite
difficult on the existing site is Its lack of legibility. As you move
from block to block it is sometimes difficult to identify where
the main entrance is to each building amongst the multiple
doors and windows that serve the campus. This highlighted
the need for the main entrance to each of the new buildings to
have a common material or colour (here highlighted in yellow)
that immediately reassures you that this is indeed the
entrance.
At this point in time each of the new elements was drawn just
as a plain colour rather than as a specific material, other than
the green roof to the Science and a suggestion that the Sports
Hall roof might be something other than the brown cladding
already evident to the existing buildings. However, upon
revisiting this on site we were concerned that the introduction
of lots of new colours and materials to the new buildings
would just add to the confusion and multitude of styles,
materials and colours already seen in the existing palette. It
was agreed that a simplified, more muted approach would be
adopted. The materials were then applied to the model before
the images were rendered to reflect this using buff & blue/grey
brickwork with a metallic cladding similar in nature to the tones
of the brickwork.
.
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6.0
Use and amount of Development
The location plan shows the proposed increase in development..
New Net Internal Area
The existing site area including the sports pitches
is
80,790m2 (8.079 Ha). According to NCC Asset
Management Plans the overall school accommodation
currently stands at 10,903 m2 (including mobile
classrooms).
The proposed increase in Gross Internal Area is as follows:-
New Science Block
(GFL – 978 m2)
(FFL – 940 m2)
(Roof – 38 m2)
Total 1956 m2
Sports Hall/6th Form & Reception
(Extension)
(GFL- 433 m2)
(FFL -226 m2)
Total 659 m2
Performing Arts Extension
(Extension)
(GFL– 139 m2)
(FFL – 75 m2)
Total 214 m2
Increase in GIA
Total 2829 m2
Please Note that this increase in permanent floor area is
balanced against the loss of temporary accommodation to
existing mobiles, which have to be removed to enable the
construction to take place.
M540 (135m2)
M549 (289m2)
Loss of Area to Mobiles
Overall Gain in GIA
M925 (116m2)
Total 540 m2
Total 2289 m2
This represents an increase in GIA of 20.99%
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7.1
Layout (Science)
+ 14
+ 16
7.2
+ 17
Layout (Sports Hall, 6Th Form & New Reception)
7.3
Layout (Performing Arts))
+ 18
7.4
Layout (AEN & Administration Block)
The increase in student numbers by necessity increases the
number of Teaching Staff, and Admin Support Staff required for the
smooth running of the school.
Whilst the New reception provides a new public face to the school
with administration offices adjacent, there is also a need to increase
the area set aside for Administration office, reprographics, Student
File storage and Business Management/Finance. To this end the
Admin area in Block D0 adjacent to the Library is to be refurbished
and re-configured to provide that accommodation.
The existing AEN (special Needs) classroom is to be re-located
from the current Admin building to the current Reception area which
will by then be vacant. The adjacent Business Support offices can
then be adapted to serve the SENCO team as a dedicated area for
teaching and mentoring those with specific educational needs,
complete with it’s own independent entrance and area for ICT
Literacy.
Extract of Feasibility Plan identifying the
refurbishment of the Admin and
provision of AEN Facility
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Block D0 refurbishment and adaptation.
8.0
Landscaping
8.0 Landscaping
The developed school site is predominately hard paved with a
series of external ramps and steps between Blocks to
accommodate the many changes in levels. A few brick planters
remain within the original courtyards but others have either been
removed or have been filled in. The larger site is surrounded
with grass sports pitches, hedging and some mature trees (See
Middlemarch Environmental Tree Survey), the majority of which
are to be retained and protected throughout the construction
phase as per their recommendations (see pHp Constraints plans
4157/04, 05, & 06).
.
A Memorial Garden remains between the Blocks D0, F0 and E0
which will be retained as part of the proposals. To do this
requires creation of a construction access route to the New
Performing Arts Block through the Gymnasium as this is the only
alternative route to bring materials into this restricted access.
(see pHp constraints drawing for phase 3 - 4157/06)
The New Science Block site is currently occupied by a
temporary classroom and an area of tarmacadam. We propose
that the new building has a Green roof to help improve
biodiversity and slow rainwater run-off by replacing the hard
surfaces and providing a net gain in Biodiversity in accordance
with NPPF section 11: Conserving and enhancing the natural
environment. The Green roof is designed with a full perimeter
balustrade and is accessible from the main staircase. This will
enable the school to utilise the area for A-Level Biology practical
work.
Similarly, the Sports Hall extension design incorporates a series
of planters to the entrance which can be used to improve
diversity and enhance the natural environment.
Following a meeting with NCC-planning 12-05-15 (peter moor)
we were advised that a full phase one Ecology Survey was not
required, but a desktop survey. (see Lockhart Garratt Ecology
report include as part of this application).
.
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9.0 Scale
The existing buildings vary in height from single storey to two storey typically between 9m (to eaves) and 12m (to the Ridge).
The proposed buildings generally follow the height of the buildings from which the are extended. The exception to this is the
Science block which sits between the single storey VLC Block and the two storey Mathematics Block. However it is only 8.2m to
the eaves, with just the plant room set at 10.5m. This is set inboard from the perimeter to reduce the impact on the skyline.
Larger block articulated by
materials into smaller
scale elements
Balustrade set back to give
lower eaves level
.
.
.
Performing Arts uses existing eaves/parapet
line of adjacent building
Canopy at Ground level to
change scale
.
.
Science Block
The new Science building is screened from the housing at
St Christopher’s Drive by the existing bund and planting.
(see photomontage opposite). This photo is taken prior to
the trees coming in to leaf, which will only improve the
level of screening. The initial scheme design had a full
height solid balustrade to the building perimeter, but this
has been changed to a balustrade inset from the edge to
reduce the eaves height even further.
Spinney adjacent to housing
.
Proposed Northern Elevation adjacent to housing
Each building is articulated into smaller elements at
footpath level by the use of lower roofs, door and window
surrounds or canopies to change the scale of the building
at ground level and make them more human in scale.
Large Blocks have been subdivided into distinct parts to
reduce the overall mass of the buildings.
.
.
Existing Sports Hall is 11.980m to ridge
from surrounding groundline
Proposed Elevation uses same roofline as
existing building
.
.
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Deep overhang to southern elevation
for solar shading
Blue/buff curved brickwork to stair towers
10.0 Appearance
Green Roof (to slow rainwater run-off)
.
Blue/buff brickwork with PPC parapet
coping..
Deep overhang to ground floor canopy
for solar shading with Brise Soliel solar
shading to first floor windows
PPC aluminium curtain walling and windows
Louvre Panel to suit mechanical ventilation strategy
Metallic feature cladding to form deep overhang to
soffit and window surround for solar shading.
(e.g.. Tecu Gold by KME or similar)
White Translucent glazing to study carrels with
coloured dividing fins in PPC aluminium
External Brickwork planters to Reception Entrance.
Deep overhang to roof for solar shading and creation of
gateway/fencing
Blue/buff brickwork to external walls
Translucent cladding to sports hall for good
daylighting (Kalwall or similar)
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10.0 Appearance :
10.1 New Science Block
The following photomontages show the existing and proposed views to the New
Science Block. The photographs have been taken with winter foliage to the
surrounding trees which will provide a significant level of screening to the adjacent
housing to the Northern boundary to the site.
.
New Science block –SW corner
Existing VLC & Playground
.
.
Proposed New Science Block – Western Elevation
Existing VLC, playground & Mobile Classroom
(to be removed)
.
.
Proposed New Science Block – Southern Elevation
Existing Maths Block & Mobile Classroom(to be removed)
.
.
Distant views, beyond Netball courts/spinney
.
+ 23
10.0 Appearance :
10.2 Sports Block, Sixth Form & New Reception Extension
The following photomontages show the existing and proposed views to the Sports
Hall and Sixth form block which is to be extended to create improved sporting
facilities as well as create a new school reception
.
Existing Southern Elevation from site entrance
.
Proposed Southern Elevation from site entrance
.
Existing Eastern Elevation from Lower Car Park
.
+ 24
Proposed Eastern Elevation from Lower Car Park
.
Existing Science Block
.
10.0 Appearance :
10.3 Performing Arts Block Extension
The following photomontages show the existing and proposed views to the New
Performing Arts Block. The existing gymnasium will be extended to facilitate the
creation of a multi-purpose performance space, whilst the existing Science
classrooms will be converted into Music Classrooms and music practice rooms.
.
Existing Science Block
Existing
Gymnasium
.
.
Existing ICT, Library & Admin block
.
+ 25
Proposed Extension
.
11.0
.
Materials Palette
The existing school has a series of buildings that have developed over
the decades in differing styles and materials, predominantly in Buff
brickwork (or concrete blockwork) with dark blue painted doors,
balustrades/handrails and signage. This is supplemented with some red
coloured cladding panels or brickwork, whilst some of the larger buildings
are clad in a dark brown (Galbestos) corrugated metal cladding.
The school recognise that there are many painted finishes/materials
around the site that have not survived well during their life at the school.
(e.g. the red cladding panels broken by footballs and scratched/peeling
paint on infill panels. pHp propose the use of a mixture of Buff/Blue
brickwork for robustness and durability for the main body of external walls
to the new buildings with a highlight of self-finished metal cladding
(typically TECU-Gold a copper alloy) to define the entrance area to each
new building. This alloy starts life as a shiny polished finish which over
time will patina to a matt finish that will sit well against the brickwork. As it
is self- finished, it has no surface to peel or be scratched off and marks
will self-heal over time as it weathers and the patina develops.
KME Tecu-Gold metal alloy cladding
.
+ 26
existing school cladding
.
.
Kalwall translucent cladding
.
Proposed
Green Roofing System
Buff/Blue brickwork
.
.
+ 13
13.0 Access
12.0 Crime Prevention
13.1 Vehicular and Transport provision
12.1 Boundary Treatment
Currently there is no secure site boundary to the South of the
site. Although there is some fencing to the boundary it is
discontinuous and low level. As part of the ‘Early Works’ phase
of the larger project, the school is currently being fenced to
provide additional security to the site (previously approved
under planning application ref 15/00024/CCDFUL &
15/00703/NCC ). A 1.8m high Weldmesh fence to BS 1722
Part 14 is being installed with automated gates at strategic
intervals for both vehicular and pedestrian access (as
illustrated on pHp dwg 4157/01). The school have requested
that the new fence line secures the buildings whilst maintaining
access to the sports facilities, the nursery and cadets building.
For this reason the fence is set between the building line and
the car park, rather than on the very edge of the site at Herne
Road. This work will be completed by September 2015.
To the east a mature hedge line separates the school from the
new housing development, whilst to the north and west a
mixture of mature hedging, barbed wire, post & wire and
palisade fencing form the boundary.
The
Landscape
maintenance
strategy
will
include
recommendations to maintain the landscaping to prevent
landscaping becoming climbing aids.
12.2 Cycle security
existing cycle facilities parking (in the form of hoops) are
located adjacent to the site entrance and alongside the existing
sports hall end gable. The latter of which will need to be moved
to enable the extension to be constructed. We therefore
considered it worthwhile to take the opportunity to provide a
covered cycle parking area adjacent to this location.
12.3 Lighting
A lighting design strategy is provided in a separate document
submitted by BSD Electrical consultants.
12.4 External doors and windows
The building is designed to have opening windows wherever
possible. Glazing and doors will be in Aluminium curtain walling
sections with restrictor stays to all opening lights.
+ 27
Prior to the proposals presented in this document, a separate
application was made by NCC for approval of a Modular
Village providing temporary accommodation for students
between the arrival of Years 7 & 8 in September 2015 and the
completion of the works outlined here. As part of that planning
application, proposals were submitted for additional car
parking and re-organisation of the existing bus-parking to
accommodate the additional journeys necessary for the
increased student numbers (see pHp dwg 4157/01 & 03(early
works).
As part of the planning consultation, NCC Highways
requested a traffic
impact assessment, which was
undertaken by JPP Consulting Engineers and was submitted
with the application. This included the provision of additional
car parking adjacent to the caretakers bungalow as well as a
new area of parking to the lower car park, adjacent to the
Nursery. These measures provide an additional 37 parking
spaces to the school site and increase the bus parking
capacity from 16 to 19.
13.2 Access within the site
Access for emergency services is possible around the building
perimeter. However, to both increase the available perimeter
for fire appliances in accordance with Building Regulations
Approved Document B requirements, these proposals include
an additional roadway and turning area between the existing
Sports Changing rooms and the Dance Studio, as well as
provide construction access to build the New Science Block.
Emergency exit doors are located around the buildings as
required to meet maximum travel distances. The exits will
discharge onto level paved areas without steps, to allow for
inclusive evacuation of all personnel.
Wheelchair refuge points are to be provided within fire
protected zones for evacuation by the emergency services.
The existing staff car park will be re-marked to provide
wheelchair sized disabled parking spaces located closest to the
new reception building entrance.
.
The topography of the site will be modelled to form footpaths
set at minimal gradients designed not to exceed 1:20 having
cross-falls not exceeding 1:40. Level rest places will be
incorporated at any ramped incline and drop kerbs at disabled
parking bays and road crossing points all in accordance with
Part M of the Building Regulations and BS8300.
Colour contrasting paving materials are to be incorporated to
highlight pedestrian routes with ‘blister’ type tactile paving at
road crossing points for the visually impaired and people with
learning difficulties. External lighting is to be provided to all
footpaths and approaches.
The main entrances will be clearly identifiable. Signage will
also be used to highlight entrance doors and provide access
information for visitors.
A canopy is to be provided to shelter the main entrance which
will have a level approach to the entrance doors.
The New internal building accommodation will include disabled
passenger lifts, ambulant disabled geometry stairs, wheelchair
and ambulant disabled geometry toilet facilities, doors and
corridors designed to accommodate wheelchair access, door
closers and ironmongery appropriate for disabled use, all in
accordance with the Building Regulations and BS8300.
13.3 Detailed Statement
A Detailed Access Statement will be required, at the
appropriate development stage, to satisfy Approved Document
M of the Building Regulations, to include details of provisions
for the access to and for the internal layout and facilities of the
site and building.
An Access Statement from the school will form part of a
continuous process of self-evaluation, which the building
occupiers will need to carry out under their obligations within
the Disabled Discrimination Act. As part of this evaluation
process the future requirements for inclusive access will need
to be continually addressed and future changing needs
incorporated.
+ 13
School Travel Plan
Prince William School
Herne Road
Oundle
928 / 4052
July 2015
For office use: Planning reference ...... /...... /......
Contents
1 Introduction to the School / College
2 Travel and Transport Issues
3 Travel Surveys – Pupils, Parents, Staff and Visitors
4 Objectives and Targets
5 Proposed Measures
6 Implementation
7 Evidence of Consultation
8 Monitoring and Review Proposals
9 Sign Off
Appendices
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
2
1 Introduction to the School / College
1.1 School Information
Prince William School is a community upper school taking students between the ages of 13 and
18, located in Oundle, Northamptonshire with a Sixth Form Centre..
The DFE number for the school is 928 / 4052 and it has a current capacity of 1,170.. The school
serves a large rural community within a 400 square mile area. From September 2015 the
principal feeder schools in and around the town of Oundle are set out below.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Glapthorn Primary School
Titchmarsh Primary School
Nassington Primary School
Warmington Primary School
Polebrook Primary School
Trinity CE Primary School (Aldwincle)
Thrapston Primary School
Oundle Primary School
East Garford Primary School
Kings Cliffe Endowed Primary School
Northamptonshire County Council is currently restructuring the education provision within North
East Northamptonshire, moving away from a three-tier delivery model to a two-tier model; as a
result the school will become a secondary school taking in pupils between the ages of 11 and 18.
The timetabled school day runs from 8.55am – 3.30pm. After school activities are an integral
part of school life with many sporting fixtures, homework club, music lessons, sports activities for
feeder schools (SSCO), and design club. The school site is open from 7am to 10pm Monday to
Fridays in term time and from 8am to 10pm in the school holidays.
As a result of the transition from three to two tier delivery, King John Middle School in Thrapston
will close and the Oundle and Kings Cliffe Middle School site (located in Oundle) will become part
of Oundle Primary School.
1.2 Pupil Information
As a result of the proposed transition to a two tier delivery from September 2015 it is predicted
the actual number of pupils attending the school will increase by around four hundred. It is
anticipated the actual number of pupils will increase from the current 826 to around 1,213.
The current capacity of the school is 1,190 and the capacity of the school will increase to 1,750
as the transition to two tier education is implemented form September 2015. The County Council
are working with the school to install a number of modular buildings as an interim measure to
accommodate the increase in pupil numbers from September 2015. The designs and plans for
the refurbishment of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings and facilities at the
school are well progressed and it is anticipated all construction work at the school will complete
by September 2017. It is anticipated the number of pupils will increase incrementally in the
coming years until it reaches full capacity of 1,750.
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
3
Year
Age
Number on Roll,
(February 2015)
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
Total
11 to 12
12 to 13
13 to 14
14 to 15
15 to 16
16 to 17
17 to 18
200
236
230
77
83
826
Predicted Number on
Roll, (September
2015)
200
210
210
200
236
80
77
1,213
There are currently five pupils with SEN statements requiring transport provision.
The school currently employs in the region of 117 staff. The total number of teaching staff on the
establishment at the school is currently 61 with 11 learning assistants and 26 other academic
support staff. The remaining 19 staff consist of reception, administration, finance, site
management and other support staff. It is anticipated the number of teaching staff will increase
in September 2015 to around 72 with an increase in overall staff to 143.
1.3 Location
Location of Oundle within the County of Northamptonshire
Oundle is an ancient market town on the River Nene in Northamptonshire, England, with a
population of around 5,800. It is situated 68 miles (109 km) north of London and 12 miles (19 km)
South West of Peterborough. The nearest railway station is at Corby, 9.3 miles (15.0 km) west of
Oundle.
Oundle is a bustling market town dating back to 972 AD. It has a collection of old streets full of
independent shops, galleries, a museum and an array of pubs and coffee shops.
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
4
Corby is located 9 miles west of the site via the A427 where there are links to the rail network.
The town of Thrapston is 7 miles south of the school site via the A605, toward Wellingborough.
Oundle is also home to a large private boarding school. Among the oldest buildings is the Talbot
Hotel. This was constructed of timber; it was rebuilt with stone from the ruins of
nearby Fotheringhay Castle. Other public houses include the Rose & Crown (a 17th Century Inn
Haunted by the White Cavalier), the Ship Inn (a 14th-century coaching inn), the Angel, the
George and the Riverside, which is currently derelict. There are a number of churches. By far
the most prominent, with the largest steeple in the area, is St Peter's Church which occupies the
main churchyard. There are also Methodist, Baptist and Roman Catholic churches. However, the
Baptist church does not have its own building and holds services on Sunday mornings at Prince
William School. The A605 Peterborough road runs to the East of the town and the A427 from
Weldon enters the town from the West. Prince William School is currently accessed off Herne
Road, to the south of the site, via a simple priority junction. There are currently two accesses off
Herne Road: one entrance and one exit. The extended school will continue to be accessed off
Herne Road via a simple priority junction.
1.4 Location Maps
Location of Prince William School in Oundle
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
5
Prince William School Indicative Catchment Area
The school catchment area predominantly covers the villages and towns within North East
Northamptonshire. In addition to this area a small percentage of pupils attending the school
reside in Peterborough and outlying communities. The school serves the following villages and
communities within the County.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Oundle
Thrapston
Upper Benefield
Lower Benefield
Aldwincle
Titchmarsh
Nassington
Polebrook
Bulwick
Barnwell
Islip
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kings Cliffe
Brigstock
Easton on the Hill
Elton
Cotterstock
Fotheringhay
Glapthorn
Thorpe Waterville
Stoke Doyle
Woodnewton
Warmington
1.5 Transport Links
Public Buses
The closest public bus stop is located on Market Place, near Old Town Hall, approximately 750m
from Prince William School. Buses arriving at and departing from the Old Town Hall bus stop at
times relevant to school journeys are set out in the Table below. The information provided in the
tables below and the appendices was correct at the time of publication.
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
6
Collectively, the 24 and X4 services will provide pupils and staff at Prince William School with
public bus services at suitable times for school journeys. The 4N bus is a Callconnect service
which must be booked more than 2 hours in advance. The service runs between Thrapston and
Oundle, with stops including many Demand Responsive Areas (DRT) and Prince William School.
Rail Links
There is no railway station in Oundle. The nearest railway stations are Corby and Peterborough,
located approximately 17.3km (10.7miles) and 23.3km (14.5miles) respectively from Prince
William School in Oundle.
Dedicated School Bus Service
Northamptonshire County Council currently provides a number of school buses direct to the
school for those pupils living outside the 3 mile radius. These school bus services offer pupils at
Prince William School a sustainable alternative to the private car.
1.6 Existing Travel Facilities
Currently we have a cycle storage area that accommodates approximately ten cycles. There is
no facility for students to store cycling helmets. There are no designated cycle routes in the local
area.
There are currently 143 parking spaces, with 1 designated disabled space and an additional 2
mini-bus parking spaces. On an average day there are 180 cars parked on site with 30+ cars
parked out of designated parking spaces.
There are currently sixteen coach and bus bays marked out at the front of the school for use by
the school bus service.
1.7 School Initiatives participation
The school has been awarded Healthy Schools Status.
1.8 Community Use of School
The community uses the school site and facilities extensively.
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
7
There is a pre-school nursery, Lindum Nursery on site open all year round from 8am until 6pm
Mondays to Fridays employing 9 staff 7 of whom park their cars on site.
Prince William School Army Cadets detachment is based on the site with over seventy cadets
attending Friday night training and some weekend activities.
Oundle Baptist Church is based in our school hall and holds a service every Sunday morning.
They have a congregation of 120. From July 2015 the Baptist Church will no longer be using
Prince William School due to the re-designation of the school hall to a dining room. Nene Valley
Music School runs a growing Saturday morning school here during term time attended by 110
students from the ages of 4 to 16. The school has extensive community use (see Appendix H)
including the much-used All Weather Pitch.
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
8
2 Travel and Transport Issues
The main travel issue faced by the school is the volume of traffic coming to school at the
beginning and end of the school day (8:45-9.00am and 3:20-3:40pm). The school is located at
the end of a cul-de-sac, which further impacts on the flow of traffic.
2.1 Parking issues
Although there can be around 30 cars parked out of designated spaces, currently, the parking on
site is usually adequate. These extra cars are attributable to Sixth Form students who drive to
school.
The planned works will add 46 car parking spaces. This will be enough to provide for the 26
extra staff that will be required from September 2015, and provides headroom for further staffing
increases in the future. The extra spaces will, in the medium term, also reduce the number of
vehicles parked out of designated spaces.
The works will also provide for a new bus parking layout, which will enable a further 4 coaches to
be parked, whilst also allowing for a flow of traffic out of the car park.
2.2 Congestion issues
The main congestion occurs on Herne Road. Whilst many of the houses have off road parking, a
number of residents do have vehicles parked on the road. In addition, some visitors and some
sixth formers do park on Herne Road. The combined effect is that the road width is often
constricted, allowing only one vehicle to be able to pass through at a time.
2.3 Speeding issues
None
2.4 Lighting issues – on site / off site
None
2.5 State of footpaths
The footpath leading to the school on Herne Road is the only access for pedestrians. This limits
the volume of people who can easily walk to and from school.
2.6 Access to site issues
The only access to the site from Oundle is down Herne Road; this can cause a bottleneck,
especially at the junction between Herne Road and South Road. There is a footpath/bridleway
which runs down the side of the school field down to the A605.
2.7 Local road network Issues
Herne Road is a cul-de-sac and as such, traffic coming into Herne Road often uses the school
site to turn around. The new housing development adjacent to the school should help to alleviate
this issue in the future, as traffic will be able to move down into the new estate rather than
coming onto the school site.
2.8 Any journeys undertaken by pupils during the school day
The school runs an extensive programme of trips, which accommodate both curricular topics and
extra curricular activities. In 2014/15, there were over 20 such trips, with numbers participating
raging from around 10 to over 120.
In addition, the school has an active sports department, with fixtures occurring at least three
times per week. There are usually a maximum of 18 students per fixture. In addition, the school
is a Sports Hub, and often hosts sports festivals for the schools within the cluster. Typically,
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
9
these occur once per half term, and can have over 100 students visiting the school. These
usually take place in the school day, and timings are set to ensure that the festivals do not run
over the start or end of the main school day.
2.9 Other school users’ journey needs, e.g. staff, visitors.
The majority of staff travel to school by car, and use the car parking facilities on site.
The majority of visitors also travel by car to school, and are usually able to find a parking space
on site, although occasionally they will park on Herne Road. The School endeavours to ensure
visitors do not arrive during the start or end of the day to alleviate the pressure on traffic.
Typically, meetings with parents happen before school, at around 8am, or after the end of the
school day, around 4pm.
2.10 Future developments that may impact travel around the school site
There is currently a new housing development being built near to the school, off Herne Road.
This may alleviate some of the congestion on Herne Road, as traffic will be able to use the new
road layout allowing traffic to flow better. This will also create some extra road side parking,
again potentially taking some cars off Herne Road itself.
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
10
3 Travel Surveys – Pupils, Parents, Staff and Visitors
3.1 Pupil Survey
An essential element of producing a School Travel Plan is to gather up to date information on the
travel behaviour of students at the school. With this in mind, a school travel survey was carried
out in February 2015 (Appendix A). We surveyed approximately 20% of the school population
(204 pupils) of whom all responded, this gave us a balanced representation of pupils views
regarding their travel to school
The results for students were as follows:-
Number
%
Preferred mode
of travel
Walk
33
16
Car
12
Cycle
School bus
Current mode
of travel
Public transport
Prince William School
Number
%
Walk
36
18
6
Car
93
45
21
10
Cycle
21
10
135
66
Other (School bus)
4
2
Public transport
54
26
School Travel Plan
July 2015
11
3.2 Parents Survey
263 parents responded to a survey, issued in February 2015. Many responded in relation to their
children’s journeys, rather than their own. Some key statistics were still achievable from this.
Notably, 22% expressed an interest in potentially ‘car sharing’. Further, of the 22 people that
responded who live within 1 mile, 91% indicated that they already walk to school, with the
remaining 9% indicating that they car share. Also, of the 50 parents who responded indicating
that they live 1-5 miles away, only 6% indicated that they use a car for their journey.
Some key issues that were raised by parents are:
- A number of parents made comments in relation to the school buses:
o A number feel that the annual bus pass is expensive
o Some felt that behaviour on the bus could be improved by having supervision
o Punctuality of the school buses was commented on, including issues around when
the bus breaks down
o A number of parents who live out of catchment indicated their interest in using a
bus if one were to stop in their village
o Some parents feel that creating access to the School from the A605 would be very
beneficial
- Some parents are concerned that the footpaths leading from Oundle to the School are not
wide enough
- A number of parents suggested parking restrictions, such as yellow lines, on Herne Road
would be advantageous.
3.3 Staff & Governors Survey, (Including Lindum Nursery Staff)
The results for 94 staff, governors and Lindum nursery staff were as follows of these only 93
people expressed a preference.
Current mode
of travel
Number
%
Walk
14
15
Car
76
81
Cycle
2
2
Car share
1
1
Public transport
1
1
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
Preferred mode
of travel
Number
%
Walk
14
15
Car
61
66
Cycle
13
14
Car share
5
5
Public transport
0
0
July 2015
12
4 Objectives and Targets
4.1 Travel Plan Objectives
The objectives of Prince William School Travel Plan are:
• Objective 1: To reduce congestion in and around the school site at the start and end of
the school day
•
Objective 2: To promote healthy, sustainable transport
•
Objective 3: To improve safety of pedestrians on site during and on completion of
building works
4.2 Travel Plan Targets
Objective 1: To reduce congestion in and around the school site at the start and end of
the school day
Targets
From
To
Date for achievement
Increase number of pupils
cycling to school
10%
12%
09/2016
Increase trips to school made
by ‘park and walk’
0%
2%
01/2016
Increase the proportion of staff
who actively car share
1%
3%
09/2016
Increase number of staff
walking and cycling
17%
22%
09/2016
Objective 2: To promote healthy, sustainable transport
Targets
From
To
For the whole school
community to be informed on
the benefits of eco and healthy
travel
Date for achievement
09/2015
Objective 3: To improve safety of pedestrians on site during and on completion of
building works
Targets
From
To
Safety measures implemented
Prince William School
Date for achievement
11/2017
School Travel Plan
July 2015
13
5 Proposed Measures
Strategy
Measures to be considered
Site design
• Pedestrian-friendly site, with direct and convenient entrances
segregated away from vehicular access
• Secure, well-lit cycling parking
Safe routes to school
scheme
On routes serving the school:
• Traffic calming, speed restrictions
• Footpath improvements and widened pavements
• Safe cycling infrastructure
Initiatives to support
walking
• Walk to School events, e.g. Walk to School Week
Initiatives to support
cycling
• Bikeability cycle training
• Bike to School events, e.g. Bike to School Week
Support for car-sharing
• Car share promotion, including launch event with opportunities for
finding a match
• Preferential parking for car sharers
Managing car use
• Parking restrictions outside school entrance
• Restrictions on parent and sixth form parking in school grounds
• Park and walk scheme
• Car sharing scheme
Education and
awareness-raising
• Inclusion of school travel in school policy statements, e.g.
prospectus, school development plan
• Inclusion of school travel in induction sessions for new parents and
pupils
• Curriculum work on school travel backed by teaching resource
• School travel work highlighted in newsletters, letters home,
assemblies and leaflets
• Events, competitions and regular focus weeks on sustainable travel
themes
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
July 2015
14
6 Implementation
Objective 1
To reduce congestion in and around the school site at the start and end of the school day
Target(s)
To increase the number of students who cycle to school from 10% to 12% of the school body by July 2016
To have 2% of all car trips to school to use a ‘park and walk’ scheme
Actions
To increase the number of staff who walk or cycle to school from 17% to 22%
To have 2% of the school community actively car sharing by February 2017
Responsibility for
Timescale
Success Criteria
implementation
Monitoring and Evaluation
Funding
No.
1
Description
Increase the size of the cycle
storage areas
Business Manager /
Site Supervisor
On receipt of travel
plan funding
New cycle storage installed and used to its full capacity
Dft grant
2
Promote the NCC Cycle
helmet initiative
Head/ Business
Manager
Jan 2016
Increase in students who wear helmets
n/a
3
To work with
Northamptonshire County
Council to ensure those
pupils who wish can engage
with cycle training initiatives
Through Newsletters
1 Promote Park and Walk
2 Identify Park and Walk
Start Point(s)
Promote car share to all
school staff
Travel Plan Working
Team / Business
Manager
November 2015
Number of students on the programme
n/a
Travel Plan Working
Team / Business
Manager
September 2016
Less congestion in and around school site
n/a
Head / Business
Manager
October 2015
Reduction in the number cars on site
n/a
Promote Bike to School
Week
http://www.sustrans.org.uk
Promote Walk to School
Week
www.walktoschool.org.uk
Business Manager
June 2016
School community Cycling to school during week
n/a
Business Manager
May 2016
More of the school community walking to school
n/a
4
5
6
7
Prince William School
School Travel Plan
November 2015
15
Objective 2
To promote healthy, sustainable transport
Target(s)
For the whole school community to be informed on the benefits of eco and healthy travel by September 2015
Actions
No.
1
2
3
4
Description
Encourage parents through
school news letter to self
report instances of bad or
inconsiderate driving/parking
To continue to work with
police and community
support officers to enforce
on-going inconsiderate
parking
All parents to receive a
summarised School Travel
Plan with induction packs
Negotiate with NCC Safe
Routes to School Team /
Walking and Cycling officer
for the implementation of
walking and cycling routes
Prince William School
Responsibility for
implementation
Timescale
Success Criteria
Monitoring and Evaluation
Funding
Whole school
community
October 2015
Less bad or inconsiderate driving/parking
n/a
Business Manager
On-going
Reduction in number of complaints and ‘near misses’
n/a
Head / School
Business Manager
September 2015
High profile of school travel plan
n/a
Travel Plan Working
Team / Business
Manager
Ongoing
Safer walking and cycling routes
n/a
School Travel Plan
November 2015
16
Objective 3
To improve safety of pedestrians on site during and on completion of building works
Target(s)
To have implemented safety measures by November 2017
Actions
No.
1
Description
Review and improve signage
re speed limits
2
Upgrade amount of external
lighting after completion of
building works
Installation of new pedestrian
crossing and bollards to main
entrance
Create a safe marked
pedestrian route for access
to and throughout the school
site
Improve on site signage to
make the one way system
clearer
3
4
5
Prince William School
Responsibility for
implementation
Timescale
Success Criteria
Monitoring and Evaluation
Funding
Business Manager /
Site Supervisor
September 2015
Cars have slowed down
n/a
Business Manager /
Site Supervisor
September 2017
Site better lit
n/a
Business Manager /
Site Supervisor
June 2017
Crossing point painted in and used by pedestrians
n/a
Business Manager /
Site Supervisor
October 2017
Pedestrian route painted in and being used by
pedestrians
n/a
Business Manager /
Site Supervisor
July 2017
One way system being followed .
n/a
School Travel Plan
November 2015
17
7 Evidence of Consultation
As well as circulating a student questionnaire Governors, Staff and students we were also asked
to complete a brief survey to establish their particular concerns which may be significantly
different to students.
Public consultation has also taken place via the Rural, North, Oundle and Thrapston plan
regarding the proposed housing development adjacent to the school site. There have been
several public meetings as well as a formal consultation process run by East Northants District
Council were one of the main concerns of residents is the impact on traffic around Oundle that
will be caused by an additional 145 houses being built on the site which is proposed to have one
access point i.e. Herne Road.
The school has also met with their local County Councillor and the County Highway Officers to
discuss these issues and to seek a solution. At present there seems no solution to reducing the
volume of vehicles on Herne Road as there is no County budget to pay for access immediately
from the A605 onto the school site (this could have the bonus of removing the need for some of
our buses to travel through Oundle).
Evidence to compile this travel plan has been collected via
• Student survey conducted February 2015
• Staff survey conducted February 2015
• Meetings with Oundle Town County Mayor and Councillor – 21.01.15
• Governor surveys conducted February 2015
• School council meetings March 2009
• Parent survey February 2015
Prince William School
Travel Plan
July 2015
18
8 Monitoring and Review Proposals
The next travel survey will be conducted in March 2016 and annually thereafter by the School
Business Manager.
The school travel plan will be reviewed in July 2016 and annually thereafter by the School
Business Manager.
The school travel plan will consider parent, staff and student travel needs arising from the new
developments and the transition to Tier 2 education requirements. The School Travel Plan will
be revised to take account of these.
9 Sign Off
Signed:
_____________________________________ Mark Taitt, Head Teacher
_____________________________________ Skip Sortland, Chair of Governors
Prince William School
Travel Plan
July 2015
19
Appendices
Appendix A
Copies of the travel survey questionnaires
(pupils, parents, staff, governors)
Prince William School
Travel Plan
July 2015
20