Issue - meetings

Recommendation

That the proposed grant of a standard academy lease of the site to the Coast and Vale Learning Trust, or a successor Trust, is approved and the surrender of the current lease over Scalby School site is accepted by the Executive on Terms to be agreed by the Corporate Director - Resources.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Resources requesting approval for the grant of a standard academy lease to transfer part of the Lower Graham School site to the Coast and Vale Learning Trust, as a first step to secure investment from the Department for Education for a new school to replace the current Scalby Secondary School.  Agreement was also sought to accept the surrender of the current academy lease that operated at Scalby School once the proposed new school was operational.

It was noted that a written representation had been received from the Hope Sentamu Learning Trust in advance of the meeting and circulated to all Members of the Executive.

The Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, welcomed the proposals in the report.  Following the identification of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in the construction of the school large parts of the building were now closed and temporary classrooms were being used.  The Department for Education (DfE) had undertaken to rebuild the school at a cost of £30-40m as part of the National School Rebuilding Programme.  Part of the former Lower Graham School site had been identified as most suitable for redevelopment, Springhead Sixth Form was currently using part of the site.  If the proposal was agreed the DfE would commence feasibility work.  Should the school be redeveloped at the Lower Graham site the Scalby School site would revert to the Council, and at that point a decision would be taken as to future use of that site.  It was hoped the DfE would consider the issues raised by the Hope Sentamu Learning Trust as part of the feasibility work. 

Councillor John Ritchie addressed the Executive, referred to the sport clubs currently using the Lower Graham School site and introduced Robbie Hawkes, who was in attendance at the meeting, who operated a football academy from the site.  Cllr Ritchie expressed concern that redevelopment of the site might threaten the sports activities, affect Springhead School and increase traffic.

Stuart Carlton, Corporate Director Childrens and Young People’s Service, advised that the consultation and feasibility study would be led by the DfE and confirmed that the Springhead School part of the site was ringfenced and was not affected by the proposals, though building works may cause some disruption.

Gary Fielding, Corporate Director Resources, confirmed that the Council would work with leaseholders to look at alternatives and traffic flows would be considered as part of any planning application.

Resolved (unanimously)

That the proposed grant of a standard academy lease of the site to the Coast and Vale Learning Trust, or a successor Trust, is approved and the surrender of the current lease over Scalby School site is accepted by the Executive on Terms to be agreed by the Corporate Director Resources.