Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Learning seeking approval for matters relating to the disposal of land at Harefield Primary

Having complied with the requirements of Paragraph 15 – General Exception of the Access to Information Procedure Rules:

(i)  To approve a reduction in the size of the plot of land for disposal at Harefield Primary School previously approved by Cabinet on 17^th March 2008; and to note the likely consequential reduction in the realisable capital receipt and the knock on impact to the funding of the Harefield Primary rebuild project.

(ii)  To delegate to the Executive Director of Children’s Services and Learning in consultation with the Executive Director of Resources, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and the Cabinet Member for Resources, authority to determine the size of the plot ultimately declared surplus to educational requirement at Harefield Primary School

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services and Learning, following consultation with the Solicitor to the Council, to do anything necessary to give effect to the proposals set out in this report.  Including but not limited to the entering into and varying of contracts; submission of planning applications; and all other matters ancillary to, conducive to, or calculated to facilitate the completion of the Harefield Primary School project.

This report is submitted for consideration as a General Exception under paragraph 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules in Part 4 of the Council’s Constitution, notice having been given to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and the Public.  The matter requires a decision because the demolition of the old Harefield Junior School is due to commence in August and an opportunity has arisen to retain the old school hall for remodelling as additional classrooms which could be required to satisfy some of the demand for additional primary places currently being assessed within the Primary Review. To delay the decision would not allow sufficient time for the necessary arrangements to be made to keep open the option to retain the hall.

To demolish the old Harefield Junior School and dispose of 1.9 acres as previously approved. This option was rejected as it would deny the Council the option to retain the old school hall for remodelling as classroom accommodation and could result in new school accommodation having to be built elsewhere to cater for the increasing numbers of primary age children.