New school plans approved

NYCC approves plans for new Selby Abbey Primary School

25 January 2006

North Yorkshire County Councillors have approved plans to build a new school for Selby, which will deliver the latest state of the art facilities for local children and a thirty place nursery.

Dransfield’s Properties’ proposals to redevelop Selby town centre by extending the Morrisons supermarket and bringing new retail units to the town have provided an opportunity to build a brand new school for Selby Abbey Primary.

While many generations of families have attended the school, its Victorian buildings are in need of repair and refurbishment.  Unsuited to modern teaching methods, the building design does not allow the children to benefit from the latest IT equipment, and play areas fall short of national guidelines.  It does not have any capacity to expand, and is the only school in the district without nursery provision.

The new school will be built on land behind the civic offices and cater for 360 pupils with room for further expansion.  It will have double the amount of secure external space it has at present, and pupils will still be able to use the bowling green – many schools in the county have off-site playing fields.

The school would be served by a dedicated access road, drop off and turning point, with 28 parking spaces for staff.

Access to the civic centre would be separate and the car park reconfigured with no decrease in the number of spaces

Architects Morgan Lloyd Jones have designed the school in conjunction with the education authority, York Diocese, school governors and teaching staff to ensure it fulfils all current and projected needs.  Due to its proximity to the railway line, British Transport Police have also advised on the design and layout, and will work with the schoolchildren on projects to promote safety.

Dransfield Properties successfully relocated Craven School in Hull in 2003.  Also designed by Morgan Lloyd Jones, the school reported significant improvements in performance and SAT test results, following their transfer to the new facilities.

Building the new school will require the relocation of a telecommunications mast.  Dransfield Properties are in discussion with the primary mast operator 3G, who is supportive of a move to an alternative site.  This is likely to be away from Selby town centre and will be the subject of a separate planning application.

North Yorkshire County Council’s approval of the plans is just the first stage in securing a new school.  The latest town centre redevelopment plans, which are providing the opportunity to deliver a new school, have yet to be considered by Selby District Council.

Speaking at the committee meeting, Councillor Andrew Lee said: “I’ve been following these proposals with interest and think this is a great location for the school.  These are very exciting times for Selby and the planned investment in the town centre is just what is needed.”

Sue Tite, Head at Selby Abbey Primary School, said: “I am very pleased there was such a positive response by the county council and look forward to the improved facilities a new school would bring.”

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk