Plans to demolish Sutton Coldfield school buildings take step forward

The proposals for a new two-storey school building at Hill West Junior School on Clarence Road, as well as the creation of a multi-use games area and car and cycle parking, are set to be discussed by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee next month.

A council officer’s report says the application noted that surveys of the existing school buildings had revealed that they were “in a poor condition requiring significant intervention".

“The school has secured funding through the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme to facilitate the construction of a new Primary School and Nursery and reinstate a high-quality education facility on site,” the report continues.

The demolition of the existing school and construction of the new building and associated development would be carried out in different phases.

“This is required to continue the operation of the school,” the report continues. “The two-storey education building would be constructed first before demolition of the other school buildings to maintain normal operation of the school.”

The numbers of pupils and staff would remain unchanged while off-street parking provision would be increased from 25 spaces to 35 spaces.

The report goes on to conclude the proposed redevelopment of the existing school would not only provide a “high-quality education facility” but also enhance the quality and character of the area.

“The proposed development would not result in any significant impact upon neighbour amenity, landscape features, highway safety or infrastructure,” it said. “The proposal would constitute a sustainable development and therefore, I recommend that planning permission is granted subject to conditions.”

The planning application, which was recommended for approval subject to conditions, is set to be discussed by the council’s planning committee on Thursday.