Yorkshire village school and public playing field could ‘site swap’ for rebuild
A site swap between a village school and a playing field might be a solution for the former, which needs rebuilding.
By using the land at Scott Street, Walsden St Peter’s Primary School would be relocated in a new building in the heart of the village rather than the constrained Rochdale Road site in which it is, senior Calderdale councillors were told.
The school is part of Calderdale’s School Rebuilding Programme – through which main costs would be met by the Department for Education.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet members agreed consultation should be carried out over the proposals – which would in any event also be subject to due processes including formal planning approvals and value-for-money assessments.
The school building is in a poor state – attributed to its age, dating to the 19th century – and it’s Rochdale Road site is heavily constrained with the main road on one side and a culvert on the other.
In return for the school taking over the Scott Street site, which is used by the local community and sports clubs, replacement offers could be developed on the school’s site, councillors heard.
It is envisaged that in exchange for Scott Street – the site’s neighbours include Walsden Cricket and Bowling Club – development of a 3G all-weather football pitch, possibly including toilets and parking, could be considered.
The school’s existing grass pitch – which is across Rochdale Road from the school through a railway bridge – could be made open to community use.
And a new school built on Scott Street might include an all-weather multi-use games area (MUGA) with a community use agreement.
The play area and equipment currently on part of the Scott Street playing field would potentially be relocated within the site and renewed, according to the briefing paper.
It said: “Any fully developed proposal would be based on a ‘land swap’ rather than straight acquisition of Scott Street.”
As Scott Street is a public open space, appropriating the ;and for the school build is more involved as a process and requires public consultation, councillors heard.
Leader of the Council, Coun Dan Sutherland said of the potential appropriation of the Scott Street site: “This is being considered because the current Walsden St Peter’s School site is significantly constrained and presents challenges including flooding risk and limited outdoor space.
“Any future proposal would be subject to detailed consultation and statutory processes and no final decision is being requested today.”
Cabinet agreed to get the processes under way.
Ward councillor Jamie Furlong submitted a question on the issue, asking what information will be published by the council to enable residents to make an informed response, including any options appraisal, evidence on school travel, and the criteria by which the council will decide whether to proceed with the proposal following consultation.