What is the development at the old school on Elm Park?

[OpalFruit]

The boards say 'Apollo Education' - is it a new school?

[Minnie_the_Minx]

The boards say 'Apollo Education' - is it a new school?



Do you mean The Strand Centre or whatever it's called? Don't they run courses there?

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Could be this: together with the demolition of 3 existing buildings at rear of the site and erection of a 2 storey building and a gymnasium to provide accommodation for a 100 place SEN (Special Educational Needs) school for children ages 11-16




Meeting: 19/12/2006 - Planning Applications Committee (replaced by PAC 1 and PAC A on 25.05.07) (Item 7) (http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/ieListDocuments.Asp?CId=101&MID=5605)

7 The Strand Centre, Elm Park, London SW2 2EH (http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/mgConvert2PDF.asp?ID=1630) http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/mgimages/logo-pdf-1.gif PDF 539 KB
CASE NO: 06/02778/RG3
EMC/15017


Minutes:
Officers introduced the application which was for refurbishment of the main school building, including the erection of a single storey ground floor extension to the South elevation, alterations to elevation including replacement of windows and doors, enclosed fire escape to the North elevation, together with the demolition of 3 existing buildings at rear of the site and erection of a 2 storey building and a gymnasium to provide accommodation for a 100 place SEN (Special Educational Needs) school for children ages 11-16, and provision of 11 parking car spaces, cycle stands, multi use games area, landscaping and boundary treatment. There had been a reconsultation arising from amendments to the appearance of replacement windows and doors and an enclosed fire escape, increased cycle parking and 1 additional car parking space.

Representatives for the applicant came forward to take questions from the committee. The Headteacher addressed the committee and stated that the school was presently on the Elmcourt site. Initially it had been intended that the school remained on that site but with the new development, there was no longer any room. The Strand site gave an opportunity for a twenty-first century school. It was an ideal opportunity to take forward the work done so far for children with emotional and behavioural needs. The school was already shared with other agencies including the elderly, and could provide real benefit to the community.

The chair commented that he welcomed the application to bring this school back into use. However, the chair and other members of the committee had concerns about the design and the tower at the front. The architect explained that it had not been possible to place a staircase in the existing tower and a second means of escape was required for safety reasons. A conservation technique had been used to integrate with the building and lightly glaze the tower.

Councillor Palmer commented that the report mentioned the re-instatement of the original gates. He asked whether the obelisks which were an original feature could also be located and re-instated, and was assured that enquiries would be made.

At the point, the meeting was adjourned to allow the committee to examine the plans and drawings. After fifteen minutes the meeting reconvened.

In response to a question from Councillor Sawdon, the architect explained that the applicant had agreed to mirror the existing glazing style. The existing design on the front façade would be replicated. Sash windows would not be used. ‘Tilt and turn’ windows would be used for safety and cleaning reasons. The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Sally Prentice, assured the committee that many hours had been spent discussing the issue of the tower and windows.

The chair raised the issue of potential light pollution from the stairwell and was informed that a consultant was looking at this issue. The architect explained that the light pollution would be limited as the tower would be used as an escape stair. Officers advised that this issue could be addressed in a condition.

The committee decided to dispense with an introduction from the officer and relied on the printed report.

MOVED by the Chair and SECONDED by Councillor Palmer that permission be granted in accordance with the officers’ report, with the addition of a condition regarding details of the lighting to the staircase, and an informative requesting that the original obelisks are ‘looked for’ and reinstated on site if found.

Voting
For – 7
Against – 0

[Crispy]

Yep, new special school. My googling found no qualification of the word 'special'

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Yep, new special school. My googling found no qualification of the word 'special'


could be autistic, disabled, anything

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Yep, new special school. My googling found no qualification of the word 'special'


http://web.data.org.uk/data/sen/special_schools.php

[Crispy]

Well aware of that, but I have no idea what particular need this school will fill - or if it's a general special school.

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Well aware of that, but I have no idea what particular need this school will fill - or if it's a general special school.


Well sorry for trying to be helpful :p

[Crispy]

sorry for making it sound like the help was unwanted!

[Minnie_the_Minx]

sorry for making it sound like the help was unwanted!


Sorry for pretending to be upset :D


















Your turn

[DJWrongspeed]

it's been mud / dirt / noise for ages now, it would've clearly been quicker/cheaper to tear the whole thing down and start again with a modern, energy efficient new building. I mean it's not exactly an architectural treasure :confused:

[OpalFruit]

Aha - then it sounds as if the Elmcourt special school currently on Elmcourt rd is being re-located to make space for the new Elmgreen secondary school.

Yes - it has created a big mess and much disruption on the road, but in good cause, by the sounds of it.

Thanks!

[teuchter]

I have a vague recollection of seeing some drawings for it somewhere ... can't remember where though - was it on the billboards at the front of the site?

Anyway there seemed to be a fairly comprehensive refurbishment of the old building along with a new structure out the back somewhere.

[raknor]

Do you mean the site on Gipsy Road. If so that will be the new secondary pupil referral unit opening next september.

Sorry just realised that I hadn't read your post properly

Sorry

[OpalFruit]

Some further research reveals that one of the reasons it has taken so long is that building work was held up by the discovery of a rare bat nesting site in the roof, which had to be protected!

Also that the school caters for priamry aged children with Moderate Learning Difficulties. (MLD)