How new Crewe primary school could look as plans finally lodged
The project has been hit by delays
How the proposed new primary school at Basford East could look (Image: Halliday Meecham Architects)
Councillors will be updated next week on progress on the new Basford East Primary School as plans have been submitted for the proposed new build. The school, which will be built on land off David Whitby Way, will cater for children from the 815 new homes being built in the area.
It was originally due to have opened in September last year, but the developer involved at the time, Lane End Developments Construction Ltd, went into administration. On Monday, Cheshire East’s children and families committee will be asked to consider the feedback received from the recent informal consultation on the new school.
The consultation had originally been started in 2022 as part of the free school presumption process to identify and obtain agreement for a new school sponsor. Because of the lapse of time, the Department for Education had advised the council to restart the process.
This latest feedback revealed the two concerns were access to the site and pedestrian crossing provision, as well as adequate pick-up and drop-off parking area for parents. A report to Monday’s meeting states: “As part of the design development and planning application process there will be a requirement for a transport assessment and development of a school travel plan to be commissioned.”
It adds: “Two pedestrian crossings across David Whitby Way are also proposed as part of the wider Basford East development.”
The reserved matters planning application for the new school was submitted last month. This won’t be considered at Monday’s meeting but will be determined separately by planners at a later date.
A design and access statement from Halliday Meecham Architects, submitted with the planning application, states: “The school will initially open as a one-form entry school to accommodate 210 primary school pupils from reception to year six, with associated external recreational areas, landscaping and car parking. A 26-place nursery classroom is also included within the school building.”
The proposal states phase one of the development will include seven classrooms, as well as group rooms, library, music rooms and two halls, together with toilet, store, plant, staff facilities and kitchen provisions. The document says car parking provision will be sufficient for phase two of the development.
The school has been designed so it can be expanded to two forms of entry accommodating 420 primary school pupils. The children and families committee meeting takes place on Monday, February 16, at 10.30am at Delamere House in Crewe.
The planning application can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website. The application number is 26/0279/RES and the last date for submitting comments on the scheme is February 24.