Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services detailing the outcome of the public consultation exercises undertaken on the expansion of primary provision across the city, and making recommendations for the next steps for each of the proposals.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which detailed the outcomes arising from the public consultation exercises undertaken regarding the expansion of primary provision across the city. In addition, the report made several recommendations with respect to the next steps for each of the proposals detailed within the submitted report.  In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

In presenting the report, it was noted that regarding the Florence Street proposal, further consideration would need to be given to the activities on the existing refuse site which was in the proximity of the proposed school site. In addition, the strong representations which had been made regarding the proposal for the South Leeds Sports Centre site were acknowledged, and it was noted that work was ongoing in considering whether both leisure and educational provision could be accommodated on that same site.

In discussing this matter, Members highlighted the proposed significant expansion of Morley Newlands Primary School, received assurances regarding the work being undertaken in respect of Free Schools in Leeds and were provided with details regarding the costing exercise with respect to the decontamination work required at the Florence Street site. Having received details of what the temporary accommodation arrangements proposed within the submitted report entailed, assurances were provided that implementing such measures would be done in consultation with local Ward Members.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the publication of an ‘invitation to bid’ statutory notice for a proposed new 420 place school with 26 place nursery on land at Florence Street to serve families in that area, be approved.

(b)  That the publication of an ‘invitation to bid’ statutory notice for a proposed new 420 place school with 26 place nursery on land at the former South Leeds sports centre to serve families in that area, be approved.

(c)  That the publication of a statutory notice for the expansion of Morley Newlands Primary School from 420 pupils to 630 pupils be approved.

(d)  That it be noted the authority will commission temporary increases in a number of areas whilst further evidence is gathered to identify permanent expansion proposals.