A new integrated school campus has been approved for Holywood despite opposition from locals and the Green Party.
Ards and North Down Council planning committee agreed to an application by the Education Authority for the erection of a new post-primary school with a car park, bus drop-off area and playing pitches with floodlighting.
The major application is for the former Redburn PS site on Old Holywood Road. It will house the new campus for Priory Integrated College.
The council states: “The current accommodation falls considerably short of the Department of Education’s schedule of accommodation for a 600 pupil post primary school.”
The council’s planning officer recommended the application for approval.
The application received no objections from the statutory consultees. There were 11 letters of objection received by the council.
Objectors raised issues concerning the impact of the development on traffic, parking and road safety, as well as the impact on the character of the area. Overlooking and loss of privacy, as well as noise, nuisance and general disturbance issues were also raised.
Objectors questioned the layout and design of the building, and the impact of the building on the local visual amenity. They also voiced concerns about the impact on wildlife, the impact on Redburn Country Park, the loss of green/open space, and the potential loss of trees.
The planning officer referred to these objections, stating in the report: “DfI roads is content with the proposal. The site is well served by public transport and cycling and walking is actively encouraged.
“DAERA’s Natural Environment Division has been consulted regarding potential impacts to the environment, wildlife and biodiversity and is content with the proposal subject to conditions. There will be no significant impacts caused to the adjacent country park as a direct result of the proposed school.”
Despite the council officer’s recommendation, the Green Party said it would not be supporting the application.
Green Councillor Lauren Kendall said at the committee meeting: “Putting floodlights for pitches on the country park side seems counterproductive to preserving the species and the natural habitat there.
“Priory College absolutely needs a school, and absolutely needs up-to-date modern facilities that are energy efficient. But I can’t wholly support it.”
DUP councillor Peter Martin said: “I think it is a really exciting design. I think it is clever with the parking, traffic flow, and while I do recognise some of the concerns residents would have in terms of a new and chunky school beside them, this school would be of substantial community benefit.
“Priory have done outstanding work in not-fit-for-purpose conditions, in a really cramped site, for way too long.”