Story: Rohan Francis | Image: Bond Bryan Architects
Council planning officers have given the go ahead for the construction of a new primary school in Fir Vale. Planning permission was granted on July 3rd, nine months after officers first announced the proposals.
Construction of the school can now begin at the site on Skinnerthorpe Road, with building work planned to start this September and the school completed and open in time for the start of the new academic year in 2014.
The development, which will occupy a vacant stretch of land between Fir Vale School and the back of shops on Owler Lane, features a two storey teaching block, a single storey space for staff, learning activities, school meals, sports and community use and outdoor sports pitches.
Local residents and businesses have raised concerns over certain aspects of the school plans, including the closure of Skinnerthorpe Road, which currently provides parking for people using Owler Lane shops. Residents have petitioned the Council to retain space for parking within the proposals, but there are no plans to do this.
Another concern is the proposed closure of pedestrian access along Skinnerthorpe Road, which is used by Fir Vale Secondary pupils going between school and Barnsley Road. This route currently provides an alternative to walking along Rushby Street and Owler Lane, which has very high volumes of daytime traffic. Suggested solutions, including the construction of a pedestrian footpath alongside the existing boundary with Fir Vale secondary school, have been put forward. Local Councillors said options are being explored to see if it would be possible to retain a pedestrian route.
For more details, look at planning application number 13/01483/RG3 on the Council planning website:
http://publicaccess.sheffield.gov.uk/online-applications/
or directly at:
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