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Major redevelopment plans for Birmingham school take step forward

Plans for the major redevelopment of a Sutton Coldfield school have taken a step forward.

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If the proposals are given the green light next week, existing buildings at Four Oaks Junior and Infant School would be demolished and a new two-storey school building erected.

Planning permission is also being sought for ‘multi-use games areas’ to the north-east of the new school, car and cycle parking, landscaping, amenity areas and other associated works.

Proposed layout of the redevelopment plans for Four Oaks Junior and Infant School in Sutton Coldfield. Taken from design and access statement prepared by Tilbury

A recently-published council officer’s report states the demolition of the existing school and construction of the new building and associated development would be done in different phases.

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

According to the same report, the numbers of pupils and staff would remain unchanged – 420 primary school pupils aged to 11 years with 47 staff.

It went on to say there are several community groups that use the site including a drama club, a netball club and and football/gymnastics camps in the summer holidays.

“The school intends to expand this offering to the community in a safe and secure way,” it said.

“Out of hours access arrangements will be managed so that the school remains safe and secure while allowing ease of use from the wider community.”

Summing up why it’s been recommended for approval, the report said the proposals would provide a high-quality education facility; enhance the character of the area and provide improved sports pitches, which would also be available for use by the community.

“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 plans will be considered by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee on Thursday, October 3.

Report by Local Democracy Reporter Alexander Brock.

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