Plan to demolish and replace Battle school building

Proposals to build a new building at a school in Battle are set to go before county council planners next week.
14/11/14- Claverham Community College SUS-141114-12300400114/11/14- Claverham Community College SUS-141114-123004001
14/11/14- Claverham Community College SUS-141114-123004001

On Wednesday (October 14), East Sussex County Council’s planning committee are to consider plans to demolish the main building of Claverham Community College and replace it with a new, two-storey building. 

While demolition and construction work takes place, a pair of three-storey temporary teaching blocks are to be placed on site, where the school’s tennis courts currently sit.

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According to planning documents, the development is to be funded through a government funding programme, which identifies buildings described as “being in the very worst condition”.

In a report to the committee, a council planning spokesman said: “As highlighted … the school’s main building is considered … not to be fit for purpose and therefore, in need of replacement. 

“This building would be demolished and replaced with a new building, and a separate classroom unit would also be removed. 

“Temporary accommodation would be required to facilitate the educational need during the demolition and construction phases. 

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“The new building would provide for enhanced facilities for pupils, as well as for the community more generally.”

The new structure would broadly sit on the same site as the existing building. The new space would not increase the school’s capacity. 

While recommended for approval, the scheme has seen a small number of objections from some quarters.

Objectors had raised a variety of concerns, including the impact on neighbours from the new temporary classroom blocks.

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Objections were also raised by Battle Town Council, which expressed disappointment with the proposed designs.  It also argued the cycling provision proposed is “inadequate”. 

Rother District Council did not object to scheme, however it did raise concerns about the impact of the temporary classrooms on the visual amenity of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

For further details of the proposals see RR/3420/CC on the East Sussex County Council planning website.