1:19pm Thursday 13th November 2008
By Filip Hnizdo
Plans to double the size of a school in Bushey and build more than 100 parking spaces have gained the support of council officers.
The proposed green belt expansion of The Purcell School for Young Musicians, in Aldenham Road, includes the erection of six three and four storey buildings and 110 parking spaces.
The total area of the proposed expansion is more than 5,000 square metres and would bring the total school area to almost 13,000 square meters.
The application was deferred at a meeting of Hertsmere Borough Council's Bushey and Aldenham Planning Committee on August 21 so that the school could put together a business plan with more details about the proposal.
At that meeting, councillors were reluctant to have the application delayed, unanimously voicing their support of the school's contribution to both Bushey and the whole of Hertfordshire.
The Purcell School, which is a registered charity, has now submitted further plans to the council's planning department and councillors Simon Patnick, Linda Silver, Brenda Batten and Di Hoeksma attended a site visit two weeks ago.
The planning department has now supported the application, recommending it for approval but only if the amount of students at the school does not exceed the current number of 180.
The school, could, however apply for a future increase in student numbers through the council.
Officers deduced that, although the proposed buildings are in the green belt, the site is already a “major developed site” and is screened by trees.
After hearing the news, James Quinn, Head of Trust Fundraising and Development at the school, said he was very grateful for the council's support and said the new development would allow for a significant improvement in accommodation and other facilities.
The application will be discussed on Thursday, November 20, at 7.30 pm in the Herkomer Suite at the Bushey Country Club, High Street, Bushey.
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