Issue - meetings

Following consideration of the report, Cabinet resolved to approve the following:

1.   The allocation of £19.5m, bringing the total budget available to £20m to fund the replacement of the Woodlands Meed College building on its existing site and with its existing capacity of 100 places (option 1B as set out in paragraph 2.3)

2.   The authorisation of the Director of Property and Assets to commence a procurement process and appoint contractors to fully design and cost the replacement college on the college playing field while the college staff and pupils remain in occupation in the existing accommodation

3.   The submission of applications for full planning permission and statutory consents; and with the Director of Law and Assurance, to enter into such agreements as the completion of the project may require, and

4.   That subject to receipt of planning permission and statutory consents, the delegation of the authority to enter into a construction contract with the successful provider to the Director of Property and Assets.

The call-in deadline is 4 June 2020.

11.1   The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Property and Assets and the Director of Education and Skills.

11.2   The report was introduced by Cllr Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills. There were some difficulties with the current site in terms of access and proximity which were being considered as was usual for such a project.

11.3   Governors and teaching staff had been consulted, and work continued to be honed. Planning would be submitted in November and other due processes would be undertaken. The ambition was to complete the school as soon as possible.

11.4   Cllr David Barling, Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Committee welcomed the decision. He highlighted three success factors: an ongoing dialogue with governors, the cost in a post-Covid-19 context and timing.

11.5   Cllr Michael Jones, Leader of the Labour Group advised the decision was welcome, however felt the current stage should have been reached some time ago and he praised the efforts of campaign groups. He questioned if the service were confident that no expansion of pupil places was required.

11.6   Resolved – that Cabinet approved:

1.   The allocation of £19.5m, bringing the total budget available to £20m to fund the replacement of the Woodlands Meed College building on its existing site and with its existing capacity of 100 places (option 1B as set out in paragraph 2.3)

2.   The authorisation of the Director of Property and Assets to commence a procurement process and appoint contractors to fully design and cost the replacement college on the college playing field while the college staff and pupils remain in occupation in the existing accommodation

3.   The submission of applications for full planning permission and statutory consents; and with the Director of Law and Assurance, to enter into such agreements as the completion of the project may require, and

4.   That subject to receipt of planning permission and statutory consents, the delegation of the authority to enter into a construction contract with the successful provider to the Director of Property and Assets.