Issue - meetings

[Electoral Divisions: Cockermouth North]

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed)

The Committee considered a planning application for an extension and alteration of a former primary school site to form a sixth form campus for pupils from Mayfield School, Whitehaven including creation of new vehicle access and external works.

The Planning Officer explained that a single storey extension was proposed to the eastern elevation of the existing school, on an area that was previously utilised for soft play.  The proposed extension would create two classrooms, link corridor, assisted shower room, workshop and greenhouse.  The scheme also proposed the relocation of the previously approved summerhouse.

The Planning Officer considered the small extension, siting of summerhouse and workshop, alterations to the access road and widening of the driveway entrance to be acceptable, and considered the proposed alterations to the school would be minor and that the capacity of the site would be significantly decreased from when St Joseph’s was at its prime.  The proposal would bring back into use a school which had been left empty and would become a derelict disused building.  It was therefore recommended that this application be granted subject to conditions.

The recommendation was moved, seconded and voted upon.  With an unanimous vote it was

RESOLVED,     that planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions set out in Appendix 1 of this report.