Go-ahead for new £1m Barnoldswick C of E primary school (From Craven Herald)

Go-ahead for new £1m Barnoldswick C of E primary school

11:26am Friday 1st February 2013 in News

Plans to build a new Barnoldswick C of E Primary School have been given the go-ahead.

The new two-form entry school, which will have capacity for 420 pupils, will be built next West Craven High Technology College, off Kelbrook Road.

The £11 million scheme, which will also see the redevelopment of West Craven High, was approved by councillors on Lancashire County Council’s development control committee last week.

The plan includes the creation of an all-weather sports pitch, which will be used by pupils at both schools.

County councillor Keith Bailey (Cons), who represents West Craven, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. A lot of hard work has gone in to get to this point.”

He said the pupils and staff at the York Street school were “over the moon” when they heard the news.

“They’re all buzzing up there,” he said. “They’re looking forward to a new school. It’s a major spend they’ve wanted for a while.”

Melanie Darcy, headteacher of Barnoldswick C of E Primary, said.“We’re really thrilled about the plans. When I told the children the news, they let out a great cheer. We have a lovely school, but it’s just too small for the number of children. It’s not fit for purpose for the 21st century.”

The school, which was built in 1883, has two tiny playgrounds and tiny hall, which meant a lot of shifts were needed just to get the children through their playtimes and lunches.

Mrs Darcy said the new school would give teachers the space they needed to teach a creative curriculum and outdoor learning.

Plans had originally called for the new school’s construction by September 2013, but Mrs Darcy believes that a January 2014 opening is more likely.

The plans were approved despite concerns over the loss of playing fields and an increase in traffic on Kelbrook Road.

Stuart Perigo, the county council’s planning chief, acknowledged the loss of open space but said it was the only suitable site for a new primary school in Barnoldswick.

Coun Bailey agreed, saying: “What we gain outweighs the loss of green space.”

He also acknowledged that there would be an increase in traffic on Kelbrook Road, but said staggered starting times for pupils in both schools would help alleviate road congestion.