Approval Recommended for New Homes Despite School Place Worries

A proposal for dozens of new residences has received a recommendation for approval, notwithstanding worries regarding its effect on available spaces at a local educational institution. Gleeson Regeneration intends to construct 83 dwellings on the Grange Farm site in Coxhoe, situated close to Durham. Objections to the plans were raised by Coxhoe Parish Council, ward councillor Viv Anderson, and Coxhoe Primary School, citing apprehension about the development’s effect on the school, which is located only half a mile away. The planning committee of Durham County Council has been advised to endorse the project, contingent on specific conditions, during its meeting scheduled for Tuesday. According to council documentation, families residing in the forthcoming estate are projected to require six nursery places, 22 primary school places, 11 secondary places, one post-16 place, and one SEND place. A payment of approximately £350,000 towards educational provision would be required from the developer, attributed to a deficit of spaces at the adjacent Ferryhill secondary school and a limited availability of SEND places. While Coxhoe Primary School, which is the nearest to the proposed development, would lack sufficient capacity for primary school students, the council indicated that adequate capacity exists across four primary schools within a two-mile radius. Consequently, the council would possess “no grounds” to solicit a financial contribution specifically for primary education. The parish council had requested a voluntary contribution from Gleeson, but the developer responded that they were only obligated by the requirements set forth by the planning authority. The parish council stated that this action would result in the school becoming oversubscribed and would prioritize children from newer developments located nearer to schools over those from existing families. It further noted that Coxhoe Primary has plans for an extension, which, if constructed, would be able to accommodate all students from the new development. Anderson commented: “[I have] seen first-hand how much this extension is required, as being taught in corridors and on a mezzanine level, is not conducive to the education requirements of these pupils.” For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.