ew Primary Schools at former Braim Wood School Site etc etc

[Brunel]

http://www.educationleeds.co.uk/documen ... 14Roundhay Planning Forum thinks the programme of building new primary schools in the ward is of strategic significance. Although the principle of new primary schools might be supported by residents and by RPF, there is concern that Education Leeds will be using modular buildings (prefabricated buildings, constructed off-site and much cheaper and quicker to establish than permanent buildings built on site!). The modular buildings will have a life-span of around 20 years. Modular buildings are not dissimilar to portakabins (you could probably best describe modular buildings as a posher version of the standard portakabin!).RPF obviously has concerns in that we may see these prefabricated modular buildings being erected on green belt land next to Roundhay Park and open countryside (in the case of former Braim Wood site) or adjacent to listed buildings (in the case of former Allerton Grange School site and its proximity to Moor Allerton Hall). The record of prefabricated buildings and so-called temporary buildings in Roundhay Ward is not encouraging - see for example the Brackenwood Community Association's building in Lidgett Lane and Elmete Wood School in Elmete Lane, both surrounded by ugly industrial galvanised fencing.The use of modular buildings is not environmentally sustainable as they have a short life-span, don't age well at all and are not as energy efficient as permanent buildings and structure. Modular buildings also lack in good architectural design when compared the potential offered by permanent buildings. The architecture is very bland. This is not the kind of design/development we should be encouraging. New schools should be inspirational! Look at Roundhay School and the new Allerton Grange School as two good examples of modern learning environments.We are sure that, like us you will have many questions about the implications of these proposals e.g. what will be the 'school run' traffic implications of a new primary school in the Green Belt well away from its catchment area and not served with a bus service of the regularity of those services along Gledhow and Lidgett Lanes? Why establish new schools when there are existing primary schools close to the present high schools e.g. Moor Allerton Hall Primary School and Kier Mackie Primary School. Why is the brown-field site of the old Roundhay Boys School unsuitable for a new building? Gledhow Primary School established around the 60s era of public building, is surely due for replacement

[raveydavey]

I'm unsure what they are playing at here. I went to Brain Wood so am familiar with the site and know that there are few houses within what is currently considered "walking distance" (I walked a mile and a half each way when I attended, but times have changed now - I see people catching the bus to go two stops to a local school nowadays...).So there will be a massive amount of school run traffic.It was nothing short of criminal the way a perfectly good school was closed and then demolished by Education Leeds. Now to put modular buildings on the site, with all the inherent problems they bring is another lamentable decision. As the quoted article says no doubt the new buildings will be surrounded by yards and yards of metal fencing further adding to the impact on what should be idyllic surroundings for a place of learning.The only plus point is that they haven't announced that the site has been sold to a housing developer, which is what I suspect they had plans for when Braim Wood was closed.

[Brunel]

The need for additional primary school places in Leeds is driven by a rapidly increasing birth rate over recent years. This has already seen an extra 560 reception places created since 2009 and it’s estimated a further 300 to 400 places will need to be created every year to meet the growing demand. The six planning areas in the city which will be assessed for extra primary school places are: Harehills: To expand Wykebeck Primary School from 315 places to a 420 with an admissions limit increase from 45 to 60. This proposal can be delivered within the existing school grounds. Roundhay Wigton: To change the age range of Roundhay High School to be 4-18yrs old and to establish primary provision on land off Elmete Lane, with effect from Sept 2012. The reception admissions limit would be 60. To change the age range of Allerton Grange High School to be 4-18yrs old, and to establish the primary provision on land to the west of the school, previously included in the old school site effective September 2012. The reception admission limit would be 60. Meanwood: To change the age range of Carr Manor High School to be 4-l8yrs old, and to establish the primary provision on land south of and adjacent to the school, with effect from Sept 2012. The reception admission limit would be 30. Chapel Allerton: To expand Bracken Edge Primary School from 315 places to 420 places, i.e. an admission limit of 45 to 60. This proposal can be delivered within the existing school grounds. Wood house: To expand Little London Primary School from 210 places to 630 places, i.e. an admission limit of 30 to 90, and establish land off Cambridge Road as part of the school premises, effective September 2012. It’s estimated the construction costs for the proposals could be at least £1 5Mm. Councillor Jane Dowson, executive board member for learning at Leeds City Council, said: “We have a statutory duty to ensure there are sufficient school places for every child in Leeds which means, in certain parts of the city, we will have to continue to expand schools to meet demand. “Education Leeds has already spoken to head teachers, governing bodies, local councillors and area committees about these proposals and it’s now important that the views of local people are considered before a final decision is made.” Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said: “The increased demand for primary school places means we have to reassess the size of certain schools to ensure there will be places available to every child. “This consultation will ensure families and local communities can find out more about the plans and help influence the final decision. Any additional places, will be provided in purpose built, permanent classrooms and buildings, and will ensure the brilliant education already available at these schools is available to every child who needs it.” To accommodate the six expansions, Leeds City Council and Education Leeds have identified land at or adjacent to the following sites, which are essential to meet the need for 2012 and beyond. Torre Drive Allerton Grange High School Former Braimwood School Carr Manor High School Blenheim Centre Moortown Primary School Gledhow Primary School Oakwood PRU. The public consultations will take place during January and February 2011 and a report taken to the council’s executive board in March. If approved, statutory notices will be published in April 2011.