Willenhall school's expansion plans agreed
A Willenhall school will press ahead with its expansion plans after a proposal to build four new classrooms was given the go-ahead.
Short Heath Junior School, in Pennine Way, is looking to increase its pupil numbers by around 50 per cent and take in an extra 120 children over the coming years.
And this was boosted by Walsall Council’s planning committee, which unanimously approved an application to build an extension featuring four classrooms, a hygiene room and two toilets.
The school currently has capacity for 240 children and this will be increased incrementally each September up until 2024.
In the application, the school’s agent Baily Garner said there was a need to create more school spaces in the area.
They said: “Short Heath Junior School currently caters for pupils between the ages of seven and 11. The school is currently two-form entry and has a capacity for 240 pupils.
“The local authority has reviewed and identified the specific need to develop necessary local and area-wide places to satisfy demand and thereby allow (it) to meet its statutory duties.
“The proposal looks to provide teaching classrooms for these pupils in a permanent new build extension to an existing stand alone unit.”
In a report to planning committee on Thursday, officers said: “The principle of development are considered acceptable.
“The development would adequately integrate into the character of the site and would not have a negative impact on the character of the surrounding area.
“The proposal would not unduly harm the amenities of neighbouring residential occupiers.
“The proposal would not lead to an unacceptable impact on highway safety and would have sufficient parking to accommodate staff and visitors.”
