Welcome cash boost for Littlehampton schools

Planning applications have been submitted to West Sussex District Council, to create three brand-new primary schools, all of which are due to open in September, 2011.

Lyminster Infant School is set to expand and become Lyminster Primary School, while Connaught Junior School is getting ready to merge with Arun Vale and Elm Grove infant schools, under the new name of River Beach Primary, and White Meadows Primary will replace Flora McDonald junior and Wickbourne infant schools.

Lyminster’s new building programme is planned to be completed in two phases, the first of which includes two new classrooms, learning support areas and toilets.

A design and access statement, which forms part of the application said it was unclear when the second phase, of two more classrooms and a new school hall, would go ahead.

It states: “There is uncertainty about timescales and proposals for housing development in the Lyminster area and, therefore, although a planning application will be submitted for a one-form entry primary school, the building work will be delivered in two phases.

“Phase one will be complete in August, 2011, by which time it is anticipated a decision will be made regarding phase two.”

White Meadows will see Flora McDonald and Wickbourne connected via a new entrance area, but the existing nursery will remain, and Links College pupil referral unit will be relocated to the rear of the site.

A new classroom will be built, as well as administration and community facilities, such as a community room, open to the public.

“To promote a close relationship with the wider community and parents, a welcoming entrance foyer will enable teachers, parents and
local neighbourhood to interact within a suitable secure environment.

“A more discrete but publicly-accessible, dedicated community room is located to enable easy access to the ICT suite, food/science/technology room and small hall, providing flexibility in use,” says the design and access statement submitted with the plans.

A new main hall and studio, as well as a library, six new classrooms and a new staff room and administration area, will be constructed at the new River Beach Primary, with refurbished areas providing a community room and learning support area.

Its planning statement added: “The flat roof element of the existing Connaught Junior School has been identified as a potential area to introduce solar renewable energy technology once the viability of such an installation has been ascertained.

“The location of the adjacent new plant room, southern aspect and visual focus makes this the best location to promote the green credentials of the new school.”

Last week, the Gazette reported that plans had also been submitted to demolish much of the Littlehampton Academy complex, formerly Littlehampton Community School, and replace it with a mainly three-storey development.

To view, or comment upon, the planning applications, go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/eplanning