Council backs scheme for new school at Staunton on Wye

Herefordshire Council has backed plans to build a new school for 70 pupils at Staunton on Wye. The support by the council's cabinet (27 March 2008) was crucial to secure a government grant to cover 90 per cent of the net costs of the new school, which would have been withdrawn at the end of the month if the local authority did not support the scheme.

The imposing Victorian Gothic, three-story primary school was built in 1852 but is unsuitable for modern educational needs and is impractical for disabled access. A report by the council's children's services stated that over £177,000 needs to be spent to repair the building.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families offered the governors of Staunton on Wye 90 per cent funding towards the cost of a new school, which is fund-aided, and current estimates suggest this would cost over £1.6 million. But there have been difficulties in identifying a site, although the council acquired land at a cost of £92,500 in April last year.

Outline planning permission has now lapsed but in the cabinet meeting, councillors heard that the governors of the school could reapply and the application should be resolved within three months. Questions have been raised about the effect the scheme could have on some nearby schools with falling rolls.

Although there are mixed views in the county, the council decided that the opportunity for government investment in a new primary school is rare and it should back the governors' project for a new building.