1

P L A N N I N G S U P P O R T S T A T E M E N T

Prince William Secondary School

At

Herne Road, Oundle, NorthamptonshireHerne Road, Oundle, NorthamptonshireHerne Road, Oundle, NorthamptonshireHerne Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire

For

Northamptonshire County Council Northamptonshire County Council Northamptonshire County Council Northamptonshire County Council (c/o Lend Lease)(c/o Lend Lease)(c/o Lend Lease)(c/o Lend Lease)

2

Statement Prepared by

Northamptonshire County Council-Education, Lend Lease & Peter Haddon and Partners Architects

June 2015

• P1: First Issue 03/06/2015 mtp

• P2: NCC statement of need added 16/06/2015 mtp

• P3: Amended as per Lend Lease comments 30/06/2015 mtp

• P4: Re-configured as per NCC-LPA request 02/10/2015 mtp

• P5: Ref to WNDPD & EMS removed, RNOT added,

Consultee reports and cross refs added. 06/10/2015 mtp

• P6: Re-drafted following consultation with NCC-Education & lend Lease 22/10/2015 mtp

3

Contents

1 – Introduction

2 – Site Context

3 – Planning history

4 – Proposed Development

5 – Planning Policy

6 – Assessment of the Proposed Development

7 – Conclusion

4

1 – Introduction

1.1 This statement has been prepared by pHp Architects in support of a detailed planning application

as the Agent of Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) (the ‘Applicant’) for the extension of an

existing Secondary School at Prince William School, Herne Road in the village of Oundle.

1.2 The site consists of land within the existing school site. A previous consent (application ref NCC

15/00024/CCDFUL & ENC ref 15/00703/NCC) gave approval for additional car parking, an access

road, security fencing and the provision of temporary classrooms to accommodate an additional 450

children who moved up from the local middle schools in September 2015 following their closure.

(Other-wise known as phase 1 or the ‘Early Works’ project).

1.3 The further development of the site will maintain over 100 jobs for teaching and support staff,

including cleaners, caterers and admin staff.

The Applicant

1.4 NCC is the ‘Applicant and is responsible for providing education within the County of

Northamptonshire, in which Oundle is located. pHp Architects, from Milton Malsor, Northamptonshire

are the Agent to NCC for this proposal.

The Determining Authority

1.5 NCC Planning Department (the ‘Local Planning Authority’ or ‘LPA’) is the determining authority for

this application. East Northants Council (ENC) planning officers have been consulted during the early

design stage, but NCC have been designated as the determining authority and offered pre-application

consultation for the scheme.

1.6 The content and requirements for the planning application has been developed and agreed with the

LPA. This Planning Statement is part of a set of documents submitted and should be read in conjunction

with these other parts.

The submitted documents include:

1. Application Form

2. Statement of Educational Need (within the Planning Statement)

3. Design and Access Statement

4. Evidence of Public Consultation (within the D&A Statement)

5. School Travel Plan

5

6. Pre-development Arboricultural survey

7. Arboricultural Method Statement

8. Acoustic planning Statement

9. Flood Risk Assessment

10. Archaeology Statement

11. Transport Assessment

12. Bat and Badger Survey Report

13. Bat Survey Report

The submitted drawings include

1. Existing Site Plan/Survey (including U/G services)

2. Existing Building Survey plans & elevations

3. Proposed Site Plan

4. Proposed Building Plans, Ground, First and Roof Levels (to both new and extended blocks)

5. Proposed Sections

6. Proposed Elevations

7. Proposed perspective/3D views

8. External Lighting plan

9. Air Source Heat Pump Plant Layout

10. Air Source Heat Pump data sheet

11. Existing & Proposed Drainage Plans

12. Landscape Strategy Drawings

13. Proposed Site constraints drawings (for each phase)

Pre-Application Consultee Response

1.8 To assist in developing the design proposals, we have consulted with various bodies listed below,

to seek feedback and guidance, following early advice received from NCC Planning Department.

1.8.1 NCC Planning

A Pre-Application Consultation was conducted with NCC-planning 12 May 2015 prior to the submission

of this application. Agreement was reached on the necessary reports required to support this application

(as noted in item 1.6 above).

1.8.2 Environment Agency

Following discussion with the Environment Agency a Flood Risk Assessment has been prepared by JPP consultants and submitted with the Planning Application (Ref JPP consulting R-FRA-S7426FA-01-0). Item 6.4 - P18 of the conclusion states:- ‘The surface water drainage from this site, post development, is such that the surface water will be

managed and disposed of within the site boundary, thus complying with the Planning Practice

Guidance for ‘Flood Risk and Climate Change’ to the National Planning Policy Framework. Based on

the above, providing the above strategies are adopted the developed site will not contribute further

to flood risk thus satisfying the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework.’

6

1.8.3 Archaeology

The Senior Archaeological Advisor to NCC Planners was consulted prior to this application. (Ref e-

mail dated 16th July 2015, included in the application) it states:-

‘ I have checked the Historic Environment Record . The area has previously been quarried and as such

there will be no archaeological survival. I will not require any archaeological investigation as part of

the development.’

1.8.4 Highways

Several meetings/discussions with NCC Highways were undertaken by JPP Consulting Engineers to

develop the proposals for the Early Works/temporary accommodation planning application, prior to

this submission. This included a Transport Assessment which has been submitted with this

application by way of record (Ref: R-TS-S7426FA-02 - Revision B: April 2015). Planning approval was

granted for the provision of the temporary accommodation as well as new parking, re-organised bus

parking and security fencing (Ref: NCC 15/00024/CCDFUL & ENC ref 15/00703/NCC). These works

have been constructed on site and no additional parking or changes to the Highway are proposed as

part of this application.

1.8.5 Ecology

The NCC Senior Environmental Planner was consulted prior to this application. A desktop survey was

requested along with review of the protected species records from the Bat Group County Mammal

Recorder, the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre. A Preliminary Bat Report and review

of potential badger activity was also requested. Lockhard Garret were appointed to undertake a Bat

and Badger Report (Ref: Bat and Badger Survey v2 JW 270715) and subsequent site based Bat survey

(Ref: Bat Report v2 SH 070915), both of which have been submitted as supporting documents.

1.8.6 Arboriculture Surveys

The existing trees on the site have been surveyed by Middlemarch Environmental, a Pre-

development Arboriculture Survey (Ref: Report No: RT-MME-119201-01) and Arboricultural Method

Statement (Ref: Report No: RT-MME-119201-02) have been submitted as part of this application.

1.8.7 Acoustics

A planning Statement form SRL is included in this application (Ref: 41938 - T01 - Planning (acoustic

report) which includes site test data undertaken at the school site. Details of proposed external plant

for the Air Source Heat pumps located at the roof level plant deck to the Science block is also

included as part of this application. (Ref: 141220-M-1700 P1 (ASHP plant layout) & CAHV PI Sheet

(ASHP-data sheet).

7

1.8.8 Sports Facilities.

The extension of the sports hall will enable the school to provide a full size basketball court or 4 No.

badminton courts to enhance the PE facilities at the School.

The Temporary Accommodation approved as part of the Early Works (Ref: NCC 15/00024/CCDFUL &

ENC ref 15/00703/NCC) was located on the site of an existing netball court. Once the new buildings

proposed in this application are complete, the temporary accommodation will be removed and the

netball courts reinstated. No sports facilities will therefore be lost in the long term.

1.8.9 Community Engagement

Public Consultation was held with Neighbours, parents, students, and prospective parents at an

exhibition held at the school on 28th April 1015. A series of presentation boards for the site and each

specific area of development was used to illustrate the scheme. An opportunity was provided for

comments in the form of feedback sheets, details of which are included in the Design & Access

Statement section 3.2(P5).

1.8.10 External Mechanical Plant

Details of the roof plant to the Science and Sports block, requested at the pre-planning consultation with

NCC have been include in the application (see BSD plant layout dwg 141220-M-1700 P1(ASHP Plant

Layout) and supporting data sheet ref: CAHV PI Sheet(ASHP data sheet) their location is indicated on pHp

dwg 4157/ A202 (Science) and pHp dwg 4157/A253(Sports) and 4157/A221-P3.

8

2. Site Context

2.1 The application site measures 1.62 Ha and sits within the overall campus/school playing field which

measures 8.08 Ha. (Ref pHp Design & Access Statement section 6.0 p15).

2.2 Prince William School sits on the South Eastern edge of the historic village of Oundle, just above the

flood plain of the River Nene that bounds the village to the South and East. It is accessed via Herne Road,

a predominantly residential street of two storey dwellings and bungalows . (Ref pHp Design & Access

Statement sections 1.0 & 2.0 p2-3).

2.3 The site is bounded by housing to the North, East and South-east and is accessed by Herne Road. An

existing field to the eastern boundary is currently being developed by Kier homes Ltd following the

Demolition of 25 Herne Road for construction of 86 dwellings including conversion of Herne Lodge into

four flats and associated works’ (East Northamptonshire Council, ref: 12/01614/FUL).

2.4 The existing housing is mixture of ages, styles and materials including two-storey, Victorian buff brick

construction, post war rendered & pebble-dashed construction and later 1960’s / early 1970’s buff

brickwork bungalows. A red brick three storey residential care home, Cheremy Grange & a private

residential dwelling, Beaumont House are located to the South of the site, directly opposite the school

entrance. The School sports pitches extend to the East, until they meet the Main A605 trunk road that

bypasses Oundle, linking it to Northampton & Thrapston in the South and Peterborough to the North.

(Ref pHp Design & Access Statement sections 2.1 p3).

2.5 According to the Historic Environment Record, the site area has previously been quarried. A steep

slope exists between the developed school campus and artificial sports pitch and the lower sports playing

field. (Ref to e-mail dated 16th

July 2015 included in application documentation from County

Archaeological Advisor).

2.6 Vehicular access and egress is off Herne Road which terminates at the School boundary. The school

has on-site designated parking for both the school staff, school bus parking, the on-site Nursery and Army

Cadets. (ref pHp dwg 4157/01 site strategy plan).

9

3.0 Planning History

The school has occupied the site since 1974 and has been periodically developed over the subsequent

four decades. Infill development has occurred with a series of infill blocks and extensions to the campus,

the most recent of which includes:

3.1. Installation of a roof mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

Date of Decision 28 October 2011

Application Ref: 11/00063/CCD, ENC – 11/01484/NCC

3.2. Construction of a below ground Foul Pumping Station adjacent to and to replace the existing Foul

Pumping Station.

Date of Decision 4 August 2010

Application Ref: 10/00036/CCD, ENC – 10/00973/NCC

3.3. New Vocational Learning Centre.

Date of Decision 5 January 2009

Application Ref: NCC – 08/00096/CCD, ENC – 08/02147/NCC

3.4. Construction of an extension to form changing facilities and associated teaching area.

Date of Decision 14 December 2007

Application Ref: NCC – 07/00066/CCD, ENC – 07/02206/NCC

3.5. Installation of a three classroom mobile science laboratory and a double mobile classroom unit.

Date of Decision 28 June 2007

Application Ref: NCC – 07/00010/CCD, ENC – 07/00973/NCC

3.6 Temporary accommodation

The Early Works application relates to enabling works to provide temporary accommodation to provide

additional teaching space for the increase in school population of 450 additional students. (ref NCC

15/00024/CCDFUL & ENC ref 15/00703/NCC). This also included increased bus and car parking

provision, a new access road and the erection of security fencing.

10

4.0 Proposed Development

4.1 The following text is a Statement of Need prepared by NCC education in support of the proposed

development.

4.2 Introduction

The need to extend, re-organise and develop new buildings at Prince William School has arisen from

the changing education system in North East Northamptonshire. The change to 11-18 secondary

education on the Prince William site is to be implemented from September 2015 in advance of

permanent extensions being built. A separate planning application has been made and approved for

the siting of temporary accommodation for the interim period to serve the additional student

numbers before these current proposals for an £8m investment in permanent new facilities at the

school, are completed by October 2017.

The County Council’s Cabinet granted final approvals for the change to a two tier education system

on 11 November 2014 including the accommodation solutions for each school and the transition

arrangements that would be required for implementation in September 2015. In the case of Prince

William, this means that an extra 450 pupils will be attending Years 7 and 8 at the school for the first

time, whereas previously 55% of them would have been in Oundle at the Middle School, and 45%

were in Thrapston at King John Middle. The case for change has been an educational one, as

education results have been consistently below expectations for the area. Prince William School

provides the Key Stage 4 curriculum (GCSEs) and Sixth Form offer for the whole of NE Northants and

the change of age-range to create an all-through 11-18 secondary school instead of a 13-18 upper

school is a key part of the strategy to improve results and lifetime opportunities for all pupils in the

area.

4.3 Background

NE Northamptonshire is the only part of the county that currently has a three tier system of

education with lower, middle and upper schools. There are nine lower schools with an age-range of

4 – 9, two middle schools for pupils aged 9 – 13, and a single upper school (Prince William) for pupils

aged 13 – 18. The area also includes Easton Garford Endowed CE Primary School. This was a lower

school (4-9) until September 2013 when its age range was changed to 4-11 years of age following a

statutory process initiated by the Governing Body. The two middle schools are The King John School

at Thrapston and Oundle & Kings Cliffe Middle School in Oundle. The middle schools are technically

deemed secondary schools by the Department for Education (DfE), but provide education for two

year groups of primary Key Stage 2 children (Years 5 and 6) and two year groups of secondary Key

Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8). Children then transfer to upper school for the final year of Key Stage 3 in

Year 9 prior to selecting GCSE courses at Key Stage 4. The last major education re-organisation in the

county was the Northampton Review when the three tier system was replaced with a pattern of

primary and secondary schools, again with the underpinning rationale for the change being the need

11

to improve educational standards. Since those decisions in 2002, the educational landscape has

changed considerably and a number of other factors have contributed to the decision to implement

the change in NE Northants including changing legislation and governance for school organisation

arrangements, and financial and estate issues associated with pupil numbers and longer term

viability of schools. When the Northampton Review was implemented there was a £200m capital

investment

via a large group schools PFI contract; the accommodation implications arising for schools in NE

Northants will not be a PFI solution and will be dealt with via conventional procurement. The closure

of the Northampton Middle Schools was also phased over two years, and this is not the case for NE

Northants, where a single date of transition was preferred. The Middle Schools in Oundle and

Thrapston will therefore close on 31 August 2015 and the new arrangements will be in place for the

start of the 2015-16 academic year. The education review in East Northamptonshire has had several

stages of consultation and received final Cabinet approval on 11th

November 2014.

The Head teacher and Governing Body have been involved in the development of the plans for the

new school buildings.

Description

4.4 The proposed development comprises:

• A New Science Block-GIA 1956m2 (14 Science laboratories, prep rooms and associated WC’s

staff rooms, team base rooms etc) Ref: pHp dwgs 4157/A200-202 for plan details and areas.

• Performing Arts Block – 214m2 (Block C0 - Music & Drama). Once the existing science block is re-

located to its new home, it is to be extended and adapted to accommodate a multi-purpose 280

seat theatre, Music Classrooms, a Dance studio, and Music practice rooms. The proposed

Theatre seating is to be foldaway bleacher type seating to enable the hall to continue to be used

for sports and examinations. Ref: pHp dwgs 4157/A204, A205 & A221 for plan details and areas.

• Sports Hall & Sixth Form Extension – 214m2 (Block F0) the sports hall is to be extended to

facilitate a full size basketball pitch/4 badminton courts. The sixth form teaching accommodation

is also to be extended with classrooms, individual study carrels, a conference room, cyber café

and wc’s. The extension will also facilitate the re-location of the school reception to the front of

the school with admin support. Ref: pHp dwgs 4157/A251-A253 for plan details and areas.

• Extended Security Fencing (to northern boundary and associated external works to each

extension) Ref: pHp dwg 4157/237-P1

4.5 Internal re-organisation and re-furbishment of the existing Admin area and special needs provision is

also to be undertaken . However, it is to be noted that this does not form part of the planning application

and is therefore indicated outside of the application area (Ref: pHp dwgs 4157/01 & 15).

12

4.6 The use and amount of development is detailed in the Design Access Statement (Ref: section 6.0-

p15). In brief, the proposals indicate an Increase in GIA of 2,829m2. However, the loss of the existing

mobiles of 540m2 brings the overall gain in GIA to 2289m2.

4.6 Parking: No additional parking provision is included in this application, as this has already been

approved (and constructed) as part of the Early Works planning approval, ahead of the arrival of the

additional students starting school in September 2015.(ref: pHp dwg 4157/01 for layouts)

13

5.0 Planning Policy

5.1 The purpose of this section is to outline the local and national planning policy context for the

planning application site.

The key documents reviewed for this project include:

• North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy, adopted June 2008.

• National Planning Policy Framework, March 2012

• Rural North, Oundle & Thrapston Plan, July 2011

Reference/guidance has also been drawn from the following documents to inform the design

proposals (although not specifically referenced within this supporting statement):

• Northamptonshire strategic plan for schools 2010 – 2021

• Building Bulletin 87: Guidelines for Environmental Design in Schools

• Building Bulletin 93: Acoustic Design of Schools

• Building Bulletin 98: Briefing Framework for Secondary School Projects

• Building Bulletin 100: Design for fire safety in schools

• Building Bulletin 101: Ventilation of School buildings

• Building Bulletin 103: Area guidelines for mainstream schools

• The Building Regulations Approved Documents (latest editions)

We have reviewed the above documents and highlighted the relevant policies/sections (using their

references) which have informed the design basis for this project and added an explanation and

commentary box advising the specific reference to this project.

We have included a ‘Statement of Planning Need’ prepared by Northamptonshire County Council by

their Strategic Planning department, within the Children, Families and Education Directorate to

underpin the justification for the proposed school development. This is provided at the beginning of

this Planning Support document, to explain the reasons and educational criteria which have

generated the inception and scoping requirements for the project

14

6.0 Assessment of the Proposed Development

6.1 In the following sections we have assessed the proposed development

against different requirements, including planning guidance/ local documents,

community and sports requirement, highways and transport, flood risk,

archaeology and ecology.

6.2 We have extracted the key sections from the planning guidance documents

and justified how each item has been achieved.

6.3 We believe that where possible we have conformed to relevant requirements

listed in the following documents.

6.4 The National Planning Policy Framework, (NPPF 2012), (National Planning Policy)

6.4.1 Preamble. The proposals set out in the full planning application for the expansion of Prince

William School embrace and follow the guidance set out in the National Planning Policy Framework,

(NPPF 2012) where the guidance is directly applicable and relevant. This is reflected in the designs

for the scheme, the process and approach adopted in developing the designs and the engagement

and consultation with all relevant parties undertaken throughout the development of the designs.

Further detail can be found in the Design and Access Statement prepared in support of this planning

application. This section sets out those specific and relevant areas within the NPPF addressed by

this scheme.

6.4.2 Paragraph 7. There are three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and

environmental. These dimensions give rise to the need for the planning system to perform a number

of roles:

(i) An economic role – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by

ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to

support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development requirements,

including the provision of infrastructure;

15

The proposals to expand Prince William School will underpin and contribute to the economic

development of the area by providing additional employment for both teaching and non-teaching

staff at the school. The school will also contribute directly to the economic wellbeing of the area

through providing school leavers with the necessary skills and talent required to contribute to the

economic success of the area.

(ii) A social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the supply of

housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by creating a high

quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs and

support its health, social and cultural well-being; and

The proposals to expand Prince William School will contribute directly and indirectly to supporting

and maintaining a strong, vibrant and healthy community in and around the town of Oundle. The

provision of education for eleven to eighteen year old students for the local community and the

opportunity for the community to have enhanced access to sports, recreation, education and

leisure facilities will contribute directly to the health, social and cultural wellbeing of the town and

surrounding area.

(iii) An environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic

environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently,

minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change including moving to a low

carbon economy.

The proposal satisfies the environmental dimension set out in Paragraph 7 of the NPPF by

improving biodiversity on the site replacing the existing tarmacadam of the Science block site with

a green roof. The buildings will also include renewable energy sources and has been designed to

achieve low-energy in-use in line with all relevant regulations and best practice.

6.4.3 Paragraph 17. (Extract)

(i) Always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity for all existing and

future occupants of land and buildings;

The proposals to expand Prince William School are all to a high standard of design; architecture and

landscaping which respect and enhance the character of the surroundings the Design and Access

Statement for the scheme set out the detail on how this is achieved.

(ii) Take account of and support local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for

all, and deliver sufficient community and cultural facilities and services to meet local needs.

16

The proposals support the local community by directly and indirectly improving health, social and

cultural well-being for both the students and local community.

6.4.4 Paragraph 28. Planning policies should support economic growth in rural areas in order to

create jobs and prosperity by taking a positive approach to sustainable new development. To

promote a strong rural economy, local and neighbourhood plans should support the sustainable

growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas, both through conversion

of existing buildings and well-designed new buildings;

The proposals to expand Prince William School will support and help in maintaining the local

economy in the town by increasing the number of people who work and learn in Oundle. By

expanding and improving the educational facilities within the community this in turn will maintain

existing and create additional jobs within the local community.

6.4.5 Paragraph 35 and 36. Plans should protect and exploit opportunities for the use of sustainable

transport modes for the movement of goods and people. A key tool to facilitate this is the Travel

Plan. All developments which generate significant amounts of movement should be required to

provide a Travel Plan.

(i) Over 80% of students travel to school from outlying locations by school bus. This is a more

sustainable alternative than the car.

(ii) The school have produced an updated Travel Plan as part of these proposals which set out the

strategies, targets and monitoring procedures for ensuring the maximisation of sustainable

transport modes.

6.4.6 Paragraph 56. The Government attaches great importance to the design of the built

environment. Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, is indivisible from good

planning, and should contribute positively to making places better for people.

The proposals set out in this application adopt high standards of design. The designs are tailored to

meet the specific needs of the school and are bespoke in nature. The new buildings will provide a

positive improvement to the fabric of the school in terms of both overall accommodation, energy

performance and visual interest.

17

6.4.7 Paragraph 57. It is important to plan positively for the achievement of high quality and

inclusive design for all development, including individual buildings, public and private spaces and

wider area development schemes.

The proposals make full recognition of the wider site context and have considered the need to

provide robust, high quality materials and design for the long term benefit of students, teachers

and the local community.

6.4.8 Paragraph 58. Local and neighbourhood plans should develop robust and comprehensive

policies that set out the quality of development that will be expected for the area. Such policies

should be based on stated objectives for the future of the area and an understanding and evaluation

of its defining characteristics. Planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that

developments:

(i) Will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over

the lifetime of the development;

The proposals have been developed as a long-term solution, not a ‘quick-fix’ to the pressure of

delivering additional school pupil places.

(ii) Establish a strong sense of place, using streetscapes and buildings to create attractive and

comfortable places to live, work and visit;

The building design creates a robust and durable external envelope, which will provide a

comfortable and pleasant working/learning environment (maximising the benefits of natural

ventilation and natural light wherever possible).

(iii) Create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do

not undermine quality of life or community cohesion; and Are visually attractive as a result of

good architecture and appropriate landscaping.

The proposal supports the local community (both as a school and in the wider context for

other community uses). The design of the architecture has been developed both functionally

and aesthetically and fully integrated with a site wide improvement to security following the

provision of new security fence to the perimeter to create a safe, yet accessible site. In

particular the design and layout of the site accommodates the addition of years 7 & 8 students

to the cohort.

18

6.4.9 Paragraph 59. Local planning authorities should consider using design codes where they could

help deliver high quality outcomes. However, design policies should avoid unnecessary prescription

or detail and should concentrate on guiding the overall scale, density, massing, height, landscape,

layout, materials and access of new development in relation to neighbouring buildings and the local

area more generally.

(i) The proposals give careful consideration to the scale, density, massing, height, landscape; layout,

materials and access in relation to neighbouring buildings and the local area more generally.

Specific supporting detail can be found in the Design & Access Statement in support of this

application.

(ii) Pre-Application advice has been sought from the NCC Planning team to ensure the proposals are

considered and appropriate to the site.

6.4.10 Paragraph 60. Planning policies and decisions should not attempt to impose architectural

styles or particular tastes and they should not stifle innovation, originality or initiative through

unsubstantiated requirements to conform to certain development forms or styles. It is, however,

proper to seek to promote or reinforce local distinctiveness.

The design has been developed as a fully bespoke architectural solution specifically for the site at

Prince William School. The architects have engaged with the school, teachers and the local

authority throughout the full development of the designs this has ensured the immediate site

context has been fully accounted for in developing the scheme. The proposals are wholly unique to

this scheme.

6.4.11 Paragraph 66. Applicants will be expected to work closely with those directly affected by their

proposals to evolve designs that take account of the views of the community. Proposals that can

demonstrate this in developing the design of the new development should be looked on more

favourably.

The Design Team undertook a detailed engagement with the local public/community and consulted

with them on the scheme. The head teacher, school manager, governors and specialist teachers

have all been fully engaged throughout the design process. All comments and feedback from the

school and local authority have been incorporated in the design subject to physical and financial

constraints. The subject heads for Science, Sport, Music and Drama have all been fully engaged and

consulted in relation to the designs.

19

The school in turn have engaged with the local town council and have attended their local

meetings. Comments have been incorporated and significant positive feedback has been received

for the scheme throughout the development of the designs.

This involvement provided an opportunity to discuss and get support from those who would be

living close to and using the new school.

A Pre-Application Public Consultation event was held at the school on 28th

April 2015, which was

attended by approximately 100 people from the local community (16 completed feedback forms

were received). The majority of comments were in strong support of the proposals (both in terms

of good design, improved school facilities and size/space and improved energy efficiencies/user

comfort).

The only other comments expressed a desire to provide additional cycle/scooter parking and soften

areas with additional landscaping to the frontage. (see Design & access Statement for details)

6.4.12 Paragraph 70. To deliver the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services the

community needs, planning policies and decisions should: Plan positively for the provision and use of

shared space, community facilities (such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural

buildings, public houses and places of worship) and other local services to enhance the sustainability

of communities and residential environments;

The proposals in this application will provide new opportunities and extend access to existing

sports, art, leisure and recreational facilities and other services for the community of Oundle and

outlying settlements.

6.4.13 Paragraph 72. The Government attaches great importance to ensuring that a sufficient

choice of school places is available to meet the needs of existing and new Communities. Local

planning authorities should take a proactive, positive and collaborative approach to meeting this

requirement, and to development that will widen choice in education. They should:

(i) Give great weight to the need to create, expand or alter schools;

The whole purpose of these proposals are to expand the education provision at Prince William

School by providing the area with a single secondary school responsible for the delivery of

education to all eleven to eighteen year old students. Further the expansion of the school will

cater for the growing demand for education associated with the net inward migration to the

area supported by the increased development of housing in and around the town of Oundle.

20

(ii) Work with schools promoters to identify and resolve key planning issues before applications are

submitted.

We have consulted with numerous Statutory Authorities (including NCC Planning) and have

undertaken regular meetings/discussions with the school and all key stakeholders to ensure the

proposals are in line with their requirements, prior to submitting this Application.

6.4.14 Paragraph 74. Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including

playing fields, should not be built on.

The proposed new buildings and extensions to existing buildings are located on existing developed

areas of the site. These areas are currently either paved, occupied by mobiles or tarmacadam. This

has been done in order to avoid encroaching onto the sports pitches or sports field.

Although the netball court is being used for the modular classrooms, this will be reinstated once

the temporary accommodation is no longer required, following completion of the permanent

works.

The proposals include the extension of the existing Sports Hall and Gymnasium increasing the

scope of sports activities available on the site.

6.4.15 Paragraph 109. Providing net gains in biodiversity.

The new Science building has been carefully considered to protect the existing environment and

ecology on adjacent sites, retaining and protecting significant high value trees and hedges on the

site. The site selected for the building is an already developed area of Tarmacadam serving a

mobile classroom. The proposed green roof will enhance biodiversity for the entire footprint of the

building.

6.4.16 Paragraph 125. By encouraging good design, planning policies and decisions should limit the

impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature

conservation.

The design of all external lighting has fully taken into consideration the ecology of the site. The

design has been created to mitigate light pollution and to provide an environment which preserves

the habitats for birds, bats and other creatures sensitive to light.

21

6.4.17 Paragraph 188. Early engagement has significant potential to improve the efficiency and

effectiveness of the planning application system for all parties. Good quality pre-application

discussion enables better coordination between public and private resources and improved

outcomes for the community.

Consultation with the Local Planning Authority and other statutory bodies has taken place. The

school and governors have been actively involved and fully engaged in the design process from

feasibility through to detailed design. The Education Authority have been actively engaged

throughout the design process. A public consultation has taken place on April 28th

2015.

6.4.18 Paragraph 190. The more issues that can be resolved at pre-application stage, the greater the

benefits . For their role in the planning system to be effective and positive, statutory planning

consultees will need to take the same early, pro‑active approach, and provide advice in a timely

manner throughout the development process. This assists local planning authorities in issuing timely

decisions, helping to ensure that applicants do not experience unnecessary delays and costs.

Full account has been taken from the feedback provided by all pre-application discussion the

outcomes from which have been effective and have had a demonstrably positive impact on the

scheme. The design and layout of the Science Block, external landscaping and screening have all

benefited from extensive pre-application discussions with all stakeholders. The inclusion of solar

panels and a green roof in the scheme are as a direct result of pre-application discussions and

engagement with stakeholders.

6.5 The North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy, (Regional Planning Policy)

6.5.1 Preamble. The North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy was adopted in June 2008. The

Strategy predicts a growth in population in the region from 298,000 to 370,000, (24%) between 2006

and 2021. The core urban settlements within the region are identified as Wellingborough, Corby and

Kettering. A majority of the predicted population growth will be centred on these core settlements

however Oundle, Raunds and Thrapston are identified as key Rural Service Centres.

The Strategy was put together to relate to area covered by Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and

East Northamptonshire Councils (of which Oundle relates to).

This sets out an overview of North Northamptonshire’s characteristics, spatial strategies (the big

picture of ‘when’ and ‘where’ activity, development and investment is preferred) and further

information on ‘what’ is needed to make development a success.

22

The Regional Strategy also contains the following objectives:

• To achieve a major increase in the number of new homes provided for the area, meeting

needs for affordable housing and a range of types and sizes of market housing;

• To provide for a commensurate level of economic growth and developing skills in the

workforce, particularly in the high value, knowledge based sectors;

• To locate development in the main urban areas to support urban renaissance, regeneration

of deprived areas, recycling of land and sustainable patterns of travel;

• To ensure that development contributes to an improved environment, by requiring high

standards of design and sustainable construction, protecting and enhancing environmental

assets (including landscape and biodiversity) and providing green space and related

infrastructure (Green Infrastructure);

• To meet existing infrastructure needs and provide for requirements generated by new

development, by investing in new and improved infrastructure, by planning to reduce the

need to travel and by creating a shift to more sustainable modes of travel; and

• To create sustainable communities by ensuring that economic, environmental, social and

cultural infrastructure needs are met in step with growth.

This proposal contributes proactively to many of the above objectives by delivering a high quality

design solution, which both, protects and enhances landscape and biodiversity (by the introduction

of a green roof, new planting etc.), reducing the need for travelling (by expanding the capacity of

the Secondary school provision in the town to meets the needs of an expanding population) and

creating sustainable communities (by providing enhanced community use facilities within the new

building, and allowing for the social and cultural infrastructure needs to be reinforced).

The core vision for North Northamptonshire clearly emphasises the importance of the rural East in

the strategic direction is sets out the need for:

“A strong network of vibrant settlements with excellent transport connections will have developed

through growing and regenerating the towns of its urban core and strengthening the centres that

serve the rural east.”

The primary driver for the expansion of Prince William School is the decision to transform the

delivery of education within East Northamptonshire by moving from a three to a two tier model.

The proposed expansion of the school to provide a single education facility for eleven to eighteen

years olds serving the whole of East Northamptonshire will serve to underpin the vision to

strengthen the rural service centres in the east of the region.

The decision to move to a two tier model for the delivery of education in East Northamptonshire

will strengthen not just the settlements of Oundle and Thrapston, (Rural Service Centres) but also

the network of smaller surrounding villages by increasing capacity at local primary schools. These

villages include Kings Cliffe, Warmington, Polebrook, Nassington, Titchmarsh, Galpthorn and

Aldwincle.

23

The vision set out in the Strategy also identifies the following as a critical success factor.

“A step change in growth in homes and jobs will have been matched by investment in infrastructure.

Services and facilities. Creating a more self sufficient area, better able to meet the needs of local

people to play an enhanced role in the UK.”

The expansion of Prince William School will fully support the vision for the area to attain self

sufficiency by providing a single viable secondary education facility for East Northamptonshire.

Again the general migration from a three to two tier delivery in the area will also assist in building

self sufficiency.

6.5.2 Item 2.1 Increase in population.

The proposed increase in Published Admission Numbers, (PAN) at Prince William School of 450 will

support the predicted growth in population as set out in the Strategy.

6.5.3 Item 2.4 The towns of Oundle (population 5,700), Raunds (8,500) and Thrapston (5,700) are

identified in the Regional Strategy as Rural Service Centres. They provide what this Plan terms a

‘Rural Service Spine’ serving a large rural catchment.

The Strategy identifies Oundle as a significant location at the Northern end of the ‘Rural Service

Spine’. The proposals to expand Prince William School will underpin, maintain and assist in

strengthening the town within the region.

6.5.4 Item 2.14 Employment Patterns. North Northamptonshire has a larger (than the national)

share of its employment in the manufacturing, wholesale and transport and communications sectors

and a relative lack of jobs in more ‘locally serving’ sectors of retail and other services (mostly tourism

and leisure), health, education and public administration.

The expansion of the school will have a direct positive impact in terms of shaping local employment

patterns by providing employment opportunities in the education sector. The new and enhanced

facilities at the school will directly contribute to changing employment patterns in the area.

The new buildings contain a larger Hall and Performing Arts building and rooms which will be used

for Community activities this will contribute positively to ancillary health, community and sports

related industries.

24

6.5.5 Objective One - Green Living. Sets out the vision and aspirations for creating an

environmentally sustainable and green environment.

“Ensure that development in North Northamptonshire becomes a benchmark for ‘green living’ and

makes it easy for people to live in an environmentally friendly way through using the highest

standards of design (including energy efficiency/renewable energy, sustainable construction methods

and green technologies), promoting green industries and ensuring sustainable transport choice. This

will maximise environmental performance and community safety and encourage healthy lifestyles.”

The new buildings have been designed to maximise the use of natural and passive systems to

ensure low energy use in operation. The buildings orientation and form have been carefully

considered to regulate the internal conditions to achieve a comfortable space for the occupants

(such as using deep roof overhangs and Brise Soliel to limit solar glare and excessive solar gain

during summer months but allowing for beneficial solar warmth during the winter).

The building will exceed the Building Regulations standards in terms of thermal insulation values

and air-tightness to reduce on-going energy costs and to ensure the main items of heating plant are

reduced in size to appropriate levels.

The design will provide a minimum of 10% of its energy demand from on-site renewable

technologies by utilising Photovoltaic (PV) panels located on the roof and Air-source Heat pumps.

6.5.6 Objective Two - Environment.

“Enhance and manage the built and natural resources of North Northamptonshire in a sustainable

and integrated manner and in the context of major growth and the challenges of climate change. To

bring about a step change in biodiversity management and a net gain in Green Infrastructure;

retaining and enhancing landscape and townscape character and distinctiveness, through the

opportunities afforded by development and investment.”

The proposed scheme is a mix of refurbished, extended and new build. The proposals include for a

new build Science Block. This building has been carefully considered to protect the existing

environment and ecology on adjacent sites, retaining and protecting significant high value trees

and hedges on the site. The site selected for the building is an already developed area of

Tarmacadam serving a mobile classroom.

The proposed green roof will enhance biodiversity for the entire footprint of the building. The

design of refurbished and extended spaces has fully considered the use of low energy and carbon

neutral materials.

25

6.5.7 Objective Six – Infrastructure and services

“Secure provision of the infrastructure, services and facilities needed to sustain and enhance existing

communities and support the development of North Northamptonshire, including establishing the

priorities for future public and private investment and collaboration, to build confidence in North

Northamptonshire for investors and others.”

The expansion of the PAN for Prince William School and the change to a secondary facility catering

for eleven to eighteen year olds within the East Northamptonshire catchment area will directly

contribute to sustaining and enhancing existing communities supporting the development of North

Northamptonshire by increasing the attractiveness of the town and surrounding area in terms of

housing, infrastructure development and other inward investment.

6.5.8 Objective Eight– Quality of life

“Strengthen the quality of life throughout North Northamptonshire by supporting initiatives that

build stable, safe, healthy and strong communities; respecting cultural diversity and distinctiveness;

planning new development to help reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime;

promoting well-being and health; ensuring that development is of local character; and supporting

area based renewal.”

The provision of an enhanced secondary school within the town of Oundle will contribute directly

to maintaining and enhancing a safe, healthy and strong community. The enhanced and extended

sports, cultural, leisure and recreational facilities offered by the proposals to develop the school

will enable the school to develop and strengthen its ties with the local communities. The proposals

will enable the school to take on a proactive role in developing the local character of the town and

surrounding areas.

6.5.9 Spatial Strategy.

6.5.9.1 Item 3.6 The vision and objectives can be amplified into the following key spatial themes that

underpin this Plan for North Northamptonshire.

A. Establishing a strong network of settlements that make North Northamptonshire more self-

sufficient in terms of access to jobs, shops, leisure, arts and culture, affordable homes and services

such as education and training. The general approach will be to meet needs as locally as possible.

The proposals meet the aspiration set out in the Strategy to enhance the self sufficiency of Oundle

in terms of its education provision by providing facilities that are appropriate to meet the changing

education needs into the 21st

Century. The proposals will also provide the additional capacity to

meet the increased demand from the town and surrounding catchment area in future years.

26

C. Enhancing the green framework of open spaces, waterways and other natural, historic and

recreational assets. Promoting the highest environmental quality within North Northamptonshire

through adopting high standards for design, energy efficiency/renewable energy and sustainable

construction.

D.

The principles utilised in terms of the proposals adopt high standards of design that are tailored to

enable a fully bespoke approach to the site context. This has been further enhanced by engaging

with both the school and the Education Authority. The proposals exceed current standards for

energy efficiency (building fabric thermal performance and limiting air leakage, which in turn

affects M&E plant requirements and on-going energy in-use costs). Renewable energy sources will

be provided on site to generate a minimum of 10% of the building energy requirements.

6.5.9.2 Items 3.8 & 3.9 A rural strategy based on the growth and enhancement of the Rural Service

Centres of Oundle, Raunds and Thrapston and on meeting local needs in the villages, recognising the

need for overall restraint in the countryside.

Oundle has been identified as having particular significance as a ‘Rural Service Centre’. The

proposals to expand and enhance the secondary school provision within Oundle are therefore

directly in line with the recommendations of this policy, to reinforce the community.

6.5.9.3 Item 3.40 The proposed housing growth will need to be supported by improvements to the

physical and social infrastructure. This includes the roads, sewers, utilities, waste management

facilities and public transport services needed for development to work, and the facilities such as

schools, libraries, leisure centres, museums, green infrastructure, health and social care

infrastructure and open spaces that make sustainable communities. Improved infrastructure is

necessary to cater for a growing population and also to deal with existing deficiencies. Without first

class infrastructure North Northamptonshire will not attract the people and investment it needs and

development will not improve the quality of life for existing communities.

The proposals are to extend and enhance the secondary education provision for Oundle and the

rural surrounding areas.

27

6.5.9.4 Item 3.76 This plan will help to create these jobs in a prosperous and diverse economy by

promoting:

3. Supporting enhancement of skills is the local workforce to provide a more dynamic and

flexible labour market;

4. Safeguarding employment sites which are of the right quality and suitably located in

relation to infrastructure and neighbouring uses. This will include safeguarding employment

land allocations for a range of uses in support of a balanced economy;

The proposal to enhance and extend the School will drive the enhancement of skills to the local

workforce and in particular will safe-guard and increase employment from the existing School

supporting a balanced, local economy.

6.5.9.5 Item 3.80 Development will be focused on the Growth Towns of Corby, Kettering and

Wellingborough, with major expansion of town centres, redevelopment of other sites within the

urban areas, and carefully planned Sustainable Urban Extensions. This will be complemented by

modest growth at the Smaller Towns and Rural Service Centres, which will support existing services

such as local schools and shops.

As noted, it is anticipated that ‘modest growth’ will be required and will be supported within the

Rural Service Centres (of which Oundle relates back to as a significant location in the ‘Rural Service

Spine’), particularly relating to local schools. The proposals submitted by way of this Application

directly enable part of this objective.

6.5.10 Building Sustainable Communities

6.5.10.1 Item 4.1 The Government’s short definition of sustainable communities is that they are

“places where people want to live and work, now and in the future”. Key points for measuring this

are that such communities should be “active, inclusive and safe, well run, environmentally sensitive,

well designed and built, well connected, thriving, well served and fair for everyone”.

Item 4.2 Sustainable communities are those that incorporate sustainable development. The goal of

sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs

and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life for future generations.

28

The proposal reflects these aspirations by creating a modern, efficient building which provides a

comfortable environment for work and learning. The school will enable Oundle to meet its

Secondary Education needs for the foreseeable future.

6.5.10.2 Policy 13 General Sustainable Development Principles.

“Development should meet the needs of residents and businesses without compromising the ability

of future generations to enjoy the same quality of life that the present generation aspires to.”

Development should meet needs that:

(a) Incorporate flexible designs for buildings and their settings, including access to amenity space,

enabling them to be adapted to future needs and to take into account the needs of all users;

The proposal has been designed to incorporate a range of flexible, multi-use rooms and facilities in

order to respond to the changing education and community needs over time.

The use of steel frame designs allows for ultimate flexibility for future sub-division of the internal

spaces (as all internal walls are non-load bearing) and can be rearranged or adapted in the future.

(b) Seek to design out antisocial behaviour, crime and reduce the fear of crime by applying the

principles of the “Secured by Design” scheme;

The proposal takes account of the principles of ‘Secure by Design and includes the provision of a

new security fence and access gates to significantly improve the security of the existing school site.

(c) Maintain and improve the provision of accessible local services and community services, whilst

focusing uses that attract a lot of visitors within the town centres;

The proposals to expand, extend and enhance the school and its facilities will improve the level of

sports, leisure and cultural facilities available to the local community. The increase of the PAN at

the school by 450 will have a positive impact on the numbers of visitors to the town of Oundle.

29

(d) Have a satisfactory means of access and provide for parking, servicing and manoeuvring in

accordance with adopted standards;

Areas of new vehicle parking and re-organisation of the existing Bus-parking have been developed

by the consulting Civil Engineers engaged on the scheme. These proposals have already received

planning approval following consultation with NCC Highways (over several iterations) to ensure the

proposals are appropriate for the size and scale of the development and intended use.

Manoeuvring of Buses have been tracked through the site (via the one way drop-off zone) to

ensure adequate space is provided for turning/swept paths to access, park and exit the site.

(e) Be designed to take full account of the transport user hierarchy of pedestrian-cyclist-public

transport-private vehicle, and incorporate measures to contribute to an overall target of 20%

modal shift in developments of over 200 dwellings and elsewhere 5% over the plan period;

The project has already gained approval for Early Works for additional works, within the site

boundary, to widen the entrance footpath on the approach to the school site, to improve the

pedestrian route to the existing school site.

These Early Works have completed. A new covered cycle parking will be provided to encourage the

older pupils to cycle to school (and this can also be used for scooters for the pupils, to further

walking to school).

(f) Not lead to the loss of community facilities, unless it can be demonstrated that they are no

longer needed by the community they serve and are not needed for any other community use, or

that the facility is being relocated and improved to meet the needs of the new and existing

community;

The proposal includes improvements, and extensions to the existing sports hall and the

development of a Performing Arts space with Bleacher seating to provide multi-format, multi-use

spaces over and above the existing school facilities. This greatly increases the opportunity for

community groups to use the school facilities.

30

(g) Not lead to the loss of open space or recreation facilities, unless a site of equivalent quality and

accessibility can be provided, serviced and made available to the community prior to use of the

existing site ceasing.

The proposed extensions are to be built on areas already developed within the school campus to

avoid encroaching onto the sports field. There will be no loss of any recreational facilities, open

spaces or sports facilities as a result of this development.

(h) Raise standards to be of a high standard of design, architecture and landscaping, respect and

enhance the character of its surroundings and be in accordance with the Environmental Character

of the area;

The proposals are all of a high standard of design. The architecture and landscaping fully respect

and enhance the character of their surroundings. (This is covered in far more detail with supporting

justification in the supporting Design & Access Statement).

(i) Create a strong sense of place by strengthening the distinctive historic and cultural qualities

and townscape of the towns and villages through its design, landscaping and use of public art;

The proposed building design greatly improves the sense of place. The extension to the Sports Hall

& Sixth Form have provided an opportunity to re-locate the school Reception to the front of the

school, directly opposite the entrance. Rather than the current arrangements where the reception

is tucked back into the cluster of buildings.

It presents a modern, immediately accessible face to the community in place of the blank gables of

the existing buildings fronting the site.

(j) Be designed to promote healthier lifestyles and for people to be active outside their homes and

places of work;

The proposals include measures to encourage walking and cycling to school. The extended

facilities, i.e. extended Hall & Gym form a much larger space to allow for variety of sports and

games to promote active, healthy lifestyles.

31

(k) Allow for travel to home, shops, work and school on foot and by cycle and public transport.

The Early Works undertaken at the school have already significantly improved the Bus Parking

facilities at the school. A new covered cycle parking provision will also be provided to encourage

the older pupils to cycle to school. This facility can also be used for scooters for the pupils to

encourage walking to school.

(l) Protection of assets. The scheme will not result in an unacceptable impact on the amenities of

neighbouring properties or the wider area, by reason of noise, vibration, smell, light or other

pollution, loss of light or overlooking;

The proposals have been carefully considered in terms of siting, scale, materials, design and

landscaping so as not to result in any unacceptable impact on any neighbouring properties or the

wider area with regard to the items stated above. The New Science Block is the closest building to

the Boundary, but has been located where an existing bank of trees will help screen the building

from the adjacent residential dwellings.

Any external plant (Air Source heat Pumps) to the Science Block will be located in a plant enclosure

on the flat roof areas. This is both to allow for easy access for maintenance (via the internal

staircase provided) and to provide visual screening and resist acoustic break-out. The solid parapet

designed for roof level has been lowered to eaves level with a balustrade inset into the roof plan to

effectively lower the apparent height of the building similar to the adjacent Maths block. The main

entrance to the Block is located to the south elevation, away from the housing, with just and

escape stair route to the boundary to reduce noise impact.

(m) Be constructed and operated using a minimum amount of non-renewable resources including

where possible the reuse of existing structures and materials;

Whilst the building is a new construction, the selection of construction materials and their

specification will be developed to include materials using recycled content and environmentally-

friendly sourcing. The existing sites are not occupied with buildings other than mobile classrooms

or hard paving, however, these can be recycled. The energy performance of the external envelope

has been designed in excess of Building regulation requirements to reduce the energy demand,

which will also be supplemented by air-source heat pumps and Photovoltaics.

(n) Not have an adverse impact on the highway network and will not prejudice highway safety;

Prior to this application an Planning approval was given for an Early Works package of additional

parking and re-organisation of the existing Bus Parking in consultation with NCC Highways, to

ensure the proposals are appropriate and do not have any adverse effect on the highway network

or highway safety. These Early Works have now completed.

32

(o) Conserve and enhance the landscape character, historic landscape designated built

environmental assets and their settings, and biodiversity of the environment making reference to

the Environmental Character Assessment and Green Infrastructure Strategy;

These proposals fulfil the objectives by protecting existing high value tees and hedges and

enhancing landscape and biodiversity (by the introduction of new planting and a green roof to the

Science Block on an area currently occupied by a mobile classroom and tarmacadam).

(p) Not sterilise known mineral reserves or degrade soil quality;

The proposal will not sterilise any know mineral reserve or degrade soil quality.

(q) Not cause a risk to (and where possible enhance) the quality of the underlying groundwater or

surface water, or increase the risk of flooding on the site or elsewhere, and where possible

incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and lead to a reduction in flood risk.

The green roof and on-site attenuation will be used to limit the run-off flow rate to acceptable

standards.

6.5.10.3 Policy 14 Efficiency and Sustainable Construction.

Development should meet the highest viable standards of resource and energy efficiency and

reduction in carbon emissions. In particular:

(b) Elsewhere, development proposals should demonstrate that:

i. the development incorporates techniques of sustainable construction and energy efficiency

The building has been designed to maximise the use of natural and passive systems to ensure low

energy use in operation. The building orientation and form have been carefully considered to

regulate the internal conditions to achieve a comfortable space for the occupants (such as using

deep roof overhangs and Brise soliel to limit solar glare and excessive solar gain during summer

months but allowing for beneficial solar warmth during the winter). The building will exceed the

Building Regulations standards in terms of thermal/insulation values and air-tightness to reduce on-

going energy costs and to ensure the main items of heating plant are reduced in size to appropriate

levels. It also uses a central atria to provide daylighting and ventilation deep into the plan.

ii. there is provision for waste reduction/recycling

Secure storage areas are provided within the site (and located adjacent to the Kitchen) to contain

various propriety bins for recycling separation and general, non-recyclable waste.

33

iii. there is provision for water efficiency and water recycling

The building will include water saving measures such as dual flush toilet, and aerated taps. Water

butts will be provided to some external rain water pipes to assist in saving, or re-using water for the

school managed initiatives for growing vegetables and plants.

iv. residential development involving 10 or more dwellings or 0.5 hectares or more of land, and non-

residential development involving 1,000 square metres gross floor area or 1 hectare or more of land

should demonstrate that at least 10% of the demand for energy will be met on-site and renewably

and/or from a decentralised renewable or low-carbon energy supply

The building will provide a minimum of 10% of its energy demand from on-site renewable

technologies, which is intended to be PhotoVoltaic (PV) panels located on the ‘flat’ roof, as well as

air-source heat pumps.

6.6 Rural North, Oundle and Thrapston Plan 2011, (RNOTP Local Planning Policy)

6.6.1 The Rural North Oundle & Thrapston Plan (RNOTP) was adopted in 2011 and reflects the

previous three tier pattern of education in North East Northamptonshire with lower, middle and

upper schools. The move to a two tier system of primary and secondary schools is therefore not

reflected in this document although many of the policies in the Plan are still applicable, particularly

Policy 1: Settlement Roles.

6.6.2 In the Area Wide Spatial Policies (Section 4) Oundle is identified as a Rural Service Centre,

which means it is to be considered a focal point for infrastructure where “the service base of the

town will be diversified and extended.” (See 6.5.3 Item 2.4 North Northamptonshire Core Spatial

Strategy).

The proposal to expand the age-range of Prince William School means that the focus for secondary

education in the area is reinforced at Oundle, as pupils will be attending the school from the age of

eleven onwards up to the age of eighteen if they choose to stay on at the school.

The proposals to expand Prince William School directly support and enable the outcomes and

vision set out in Policy 1: Settlement Roles under Section 4.0 Area Wide Spatial Policies of the

RNOTP.

34

6.6.3 The RNOTP talks about the settlement hierarchy for the area where there are different levels of

local services and roles of towns and villages to form a network.

The proposed organisation of schools reflects this hierarchy with Prince William becoming the hub

for secondary education in the Plan area, for pupils to move on to after completing their primary

education at ten primary schools in the surrounding villages as well as Oundle and Thrapston. This

also fits the Economic Policies of Section 7 where “in particular Oundle has been identified as

serving an extensive rural hinterland.”

The rural primary schools in the catchment area are located at Glapthorn, Nassington, Warmington,

Titchmarsh, Aldwincle and Polebrook.

6.6.4 Section 8 of the RNOTP makes specific reference to Prince William in the context of planned

development rather than the circumstances associated with educational re-organisation. Policy

OUN5 (page 74) does however establish the principle that additional school infrastructure can be

delivered at the Prince William site and there will be development of new school buildings. There is

reference to any new buildings being “at least equivalent in terms of size, usefulness, attractiveness

and quality”

The proposals are for the provision of high quality teaching spaces to deliver specialist subjects in

Science, Music Drama & Sport to students aged 11-18 in an attractive manner. The scale of the new

buildings and/or extensions are two storey and are equivalent in size scale and material to the

existing buildings.

6.6.5 The overarching aim of the educational reorganisation, and specifically Prince William

becoming a 11-18 secondary school, is the desire to raise educational standards. The reports that

have been presented to Cabinet during 2014 have highlighted that GCSE and A-level performance

have been below expectations and national benchmarks. Part of the strategy to address this is to

remove the extra transition involved in the three tier system and align curriculum accountability and

progression to the key stages and school phases.

6.6.6 Section 3 of the RNOTP endorses higher educational attainment as one of the identified

outcomes of the Sustainable Communities Strategy 2008-15. Paragraph 3.8 specifically refers to

healthy, fulfilled and balanced lifestyles as a social outcome that can be achieved by “increasing the

capacity of local educational establishments to cater for the increasing population and drive up local

expectations and educational achievements.”

The current proposal signals a major investment in facilities at the school and aspirations of higher

educational achievements.

35

6.6.7 Policy OUN5 – PRINCE WILLIAM SCHOOL – This policy recognises the need for Prince William

School and its playing fields to expand to the east, north-east or south-east of its current premises as

part of its identified need.

The proposed site for the Science building is to the north-east of the existing buildings. The Sports

Hall, Sixth form extensions and new Reception are located on the south-east of the existing school

site and are therefore compliant with this policy. The temporary accommodation currently located

on recreation space, will revert back to recreation when the modular building is removed, once the

new facilities have been completed.

36

7.0 Conclusion

7.1 Within this document we have described the scope and nature of the proposal and have identified

the planning policies which impact upon a project of this scale and use type. The proposed development

contributes both directly and indirectly to the objectives set out in the North Northamptonshire Core

Spatial Strategy.

7.2 There is a need to increase accommodation and capacity at Prince William School in order to

transform the delivery of education from a three tier to a two tier delivery model in the area. The

Statement of Need identifies the requirement for the extension and development of the existing school

site in the context of the educational landscape in this area of Northamptonshire.

7.3 The town of Oundle and the wider North East Northamptonshire area will benefit from the future

planned investment in education facilities.

7.4 The project facilitates the long term transformation of the Site delivering benefits to the local

community.

7.5 All matters set within national guidance, local policy and/or material considerations can be met

fully either now or through the application of subsequent planning condition(s). There is no known

impediment to prevent approval of the Proposed Development.

Prince William School Extension & Refurbishment Design and Access Statement

Herne Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire 4157/A2.1 : May 2015

Revision E - 15 September 2015

Contents

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Scope and Content

2.0 Assessment

2.1 Physical context

2.2 Planning Policy, social and

economic contexts

3.0 Involvement

4.0 Evaluation

4.1 Constraints

4.2 Opportunities

4.3 Existing Building-Details

4.4 Character examples

5.0 Design Evolution

5.1 Previous design

5.2 Initial concept

5.3 Scheme refinement

6.0 Use and Amount of development

7.0 Layout

+ 1

This Design and Access Statement explains how the proposals for

the New Science Block and extensions have been formulated. The

statement describes the site characteristics and surrounding

context, and explains the design approach that underpins the

proposals.

Background to the Brief

The primary brief and driver for the proposed scheme is to

accommodate additional students transferring from years 7 & 8 of

the feeder schools in the local area, following a change by the local

education authority to the Lower, Middle & Upper School system.

The change by Prince William to a Secondary School will take effect

as of September 2015 and see the student population increase from

828 students (including 162 sixth form) to 1390 (including 193 sixth

form) by September 2015. The Maximum student capacity will be

1582 (including 232 sixth form students).

In the short term, temporary accommodation will be provided for

these increased numbers by construction of a modular building

‘Learning Village’, which will be located on the existing netball court

(see hatched area on pHp dwg 4157/01) to the rear of the all-

weather pitch (see separate planning approval ref

15/00024/CCDFUL & 15/00703/NCC for details)

The scheduled program (subject to planning approval) is to begin a

phased construction in early 2016 for the main body of the works,

with overall completion of the project in autumn 2017. The

Temporary accommodation can then be removed from the site.

Rev A: issued for consultant comments 03 June 2015

Rev B: Section 3.0 updated with consultees-FRA 16 June 2015

Rev C: Pages 4, 5, 6, 20 & 27 revised in accordance

with Lend Lease comments 30 June 2015

Rev D: Note added regarding response from NCC Archaeological

advisor – Page 4 20 July 2015

Rev E: Areas updated to Section 6.0, Updated generally for

planning application 15 September 2015

8.0 Landscaping

9.0 Scale

10.0 Appearance

11.0 Materials Pallette

12.0 Crime Prevention

12.1 Boundary Treatment

12.2 Cycle security

12.3 Lighting

12.4 External Doors and Windows

13.0 Access

13.1 Vehicular & transport provision

13.2 Site access

13.3 Detailed Access Statement

150527mp4157A2.1-D&A Statement

1.0 Introduction

This Design and Access Statement is submitted on behalf of

Northamptonshire County Council Education and in support of

a Planning Application for a new Science Building, a series of

extensions and general refurbishment of the Prince William

School Site.

The Design and Access Statement has been prepared by Peter

Haddon and Partners.

Peter Haddon and Partners (pHp) is a modern Architectural

Practice with broad range of expertise developed over four

decades. pHp are experienced in the delivery of education

projects and have also received Four RIBA EM design awards

in recent years, including two awards for Northampton School

for Boys, Briar Hill Nursery and the Stewart Hall Building at the

Open University in Milton Keynes.

2.0 Assessment

The design process commenced with an understanding of the

characteristics of the site and its surrounding context, as well as

the planning policy guidance relevant to design and access at

the site. pHp have previously worked on this site in 2007-2010

where they successfully completed the Vocational Learning

Centre (now known as the ALC block).

2.1 Physical Context

The site (outlined in red opposite) has been occupied by Prince

William Upper School since 1974.

+ 2

Panoramic View of School site from exit gate

Views to Site entrance on Herne Road

Google Earth – Aerial View

New

Housing

Site

Allotments

Playing Field

Science

View along track at

end of Herne Road Prince

William

School

View back towards

Herne Road

Artificial Sports Pitch

Sports Hall &

6th Form

Dance Studio & Sports

Changing

Cadets

& Nursery

Bus Parking

Reception

Staff Parking

2.1 Physical Context (continued)

Prince William School sits on the South Eastern edge of the historic

village of Oundle, just above the flood plain of the River Nene that

bounds the village to the South and East. It is accessed via Herne

Road, a predominantly residential street of two storey dwellings and

bungalows.

The site is bounded by housing to the North, East and South-east and

is accessed by Herne Road. An existing field to the eastern boundary

is currently being developed by Kier homes Ltd following the

Demolition of 25 Herne Road for construction of 86 dwellings including

conversion of Herne Lodge into four flats and associated works’ (East

Northamptonshire Council, ref: 12/01614/FUL).

The existing housing is mixture of ages, styles and materials including

two-storey, victorian buff brick construction, post war rendered &

pebble-dashed construction and later 1960’s / early 1970’s buff

brickwork bungalows. A red brick three storey residential care home,

Cheremy Grange & a private residential dwelling, Beaumont House

are located to the South of the site, directly opposite the school

entrance.

The School sports pitches extend to the East, until they meet the Main

A605 trunk road that bypasses Oundle, linking it to Northampton &

Thrapston in the South and Peterborough to the North.

+ 3

Google Earth – Aerial view

Typical views of housing along Herne Road

(from Google Earth – Street View)

Site

+ 4

3.0 Involvement

3.1 Consultation with Northamptonshire County Council Planning Department

Over the course of developing the design proposals for these works, we have liaised with

representatives of the NCC Planning Department and have attended various meetings to ensure that

the emerging design proposals meet with their requirements, both in terms of satisfying Planning Policy,

high quality of Architectural design and relevant Statutory consultees.

We have undertaken various pre-Application consultations (as recommended by NCC Planners)

including:

• NCC Archaeology

• NCC Highways

• NCC Environmental Planner

• NCC Flood Toolkit

• Environment Agency/Lead Local Flood Authority

As a result of these consultations, further reports were obtained from the following organisations:-

• Ecology Report – Lockhart Garratt (including Bats & Badgers)

• Middlemarch Environmental Consultants (Tree Survey)

• JPP Consulting Engineers-Flood Risk Assessment.

• JPP Consulting Engineers-Traffic Impact Assessment

Comments received from NCC Highways were received and acted upon by JPP Consulting Engineers

as part of their Traffic Impact Assessment report as part of the Early Works planning application, which

covered the additional car parking and bus parking reorganisation. This gained approval on 22nd May

2015 (NCC ref 15/00024/CCDFUL & ENC ref 15/00703/NCC)

The following statement was received from the County Archaeological Advisor – ‘I have checked the

Historic Environment Record. The area has previously been quarried and as such there will be no

archaeological survival. I will not require any archaeological investigation as part of the development.’

Full details of the above consultation recommendations and actions are submitted as part of this

Planning Application.

2.2 Planning Policy, social and economic context

A full Planning Support Statement is included as a separate document with this application,. It

covers the local and national Planning Policy documents, outlining a specific response to the

proposal in terms of planning policy, social and economic context.

+ 5

3.0 Involvement

3.2 - Community Consultation

A Pre-planning Consultation evening was held on 28th April

2015 to enable the proposals to be publicised to local

residents/neighbours, existing parents/students and

prospective parents/students from the middle schools.

The event was held in the School Library attended by both

school staff, representatives from NCC and the Design Team

to help explain the scheme around an exhibition of the

proposals.

Approximately 100 people attended this event and 16

‘Feedback Forms’ were received. The comments have been

collated by Lend Lease and tabulated by way of record. The

proposals were largely received with positive comments, with

a few suggestions where the scheme could be improved.

(e.g. additional bike/scooter parking, additional soft

landscaping etc.). These will be addressed as part of the

Design & Access Statement in the Planning approval

submission.

The Pre-planning Consultation centred around a series of

presentation boards giving details of the project overview, site

overview as well as a board illustrating each key area

including the Early Works, New Science Block, Sports Hall

Extension/6th Form/Reception and Performing Arts Block.

(see illustrations adjacent)

A summary of the comments that have been acted upon are

as follows:-

• Inclusion of additional landscape planting to soften the

building.

• Inclusion of additional scooter/cycle parking for years 7&8

• Improvements to Areas for outdoor recreation at lunch

times.

New Vehicle

Parking

Prince

William

School Site

Staff

Parking

Potential New Vehicle

Parking

Existing Landscape buffer

Potential Building Site

Landscape Planting Bed

Existing Recreation Space

Bus Route

Pedestrian Route

Fence need for security

Existing Vehicle

Parking

Opportunity for new

Frontage

4.0 Evaluation

4.1 Constraints Key project specific constraints to the proposed New Buildings and

extensions have been identified in order to shape the development

include the following:

+ Mature trees: are located on the southern boundary adjacent to

the site entrance and northern boundary in the adjoining residential

properties. See Middlemarch Environmental Arboricultural

Implication Assessment Report and Tree Constraints Plan for

details. Care will be needed to ensure the root protection zone

around these trees is maintained for the duration of the Build. A

small spinney of trees provides a significant buffer between the

existing housing and the proposed site of the New science Block.

+ Topography & Landscape features: The school site sits on a

plateau above the flood plain to the river Nene. A significant slope

bounds the developed part of the site to the east and south, below

which the sports pitches are located. The school plateau has a

gentle slope from the south-west to north-east corner. This

necessitates that each building is set at a different finished floor

level with a small flight of steps between blocks (and often between

areas within each block). This has resulted in extensive and

complex use of external steps, planters and ramps between

buildings to negotiate the level differences.

+ The School Site has been extensively developed since its initial

construction in the 1970’s and is occupied by a series of blocks

serving different subject disciplines. Many areas that were originally

courtyards have been infilled with development to provide additional

accommodation., leaving few sites available for the proposals.

+ Adjoining Open Space. The open nature of the land immediately

adjacent to the site should be respected and the development

contained wherever possible within the existing cluster of buildings.

+ Ecology. NCC Senior Environmental Planner has requested that

the consultation is made with the local bat group and the site

checked for any badger activity. (see separate reports included as

part of this application).

+ Nearby Residents: The site is adjacent to residential dwellings to

Herne Road to the South and West, a new housing development

currently being constructed to the West. Housing is also found

immediately north of the proposed Science Block site but is

separated by existing trees and hedges.

+ Access points: Herne Road provides the only access in and out of

the site. A green lane continues beyond Herne Road to the

Southern Boundary, but no vehicular access is possible between

here and the A605 main road.

+ Separation of Pedestrians and Vehicular Traffic: Existing

footpaths are found to Herne Lane(only), however separation of

vehicle, pedestrians and cyclists could be improved by use of a

wider footpath entrance into the site from the southern west corner,

before the vehicular access point.

+ Water Resources: Existing attenuation has been installed to the

site in recent years to alleviate flooding. This should also be taken

into account with attenuation provided to avoid any increase in out-

flow from the site to ensure no increase in flood risk.

+ 6

Improve Cycle &

Pedestrian Route

Improve

Bus Turn

Cycle

Park

Staff

Parking

Vehicular

Site Entrance

Orientation

Artificial

Sports pitches

New Reception

+ 7

Opportunities Plan.

4.2 Opportunities

The following project specific opportunities have been taken

into account in shaping the proposals:

+ Site shape: The existing building line is governed by the

physical geography of the site. The school sits on a plateau

several meters above the sports/pitch flood plain. Very few

areas remain undeveloped. The playground/mobiles area

adjacent to the Vocational Learning Centre is screened by

trees from the adjacent housing and is the last available site of

sufficient size to accommodate the 14 classrooms required.

+ Public Frontage: The proposed extension to the Sports Hall

and Sixth Form is an excellent opportunity to create a public

frontage and more prominent Reception immediately adjacent

to the car park and site entrance. The existing reception is

tucked away in a single storey low key building that is difficult

to identify when visiting the school for the first time.

+ Relationship to Landscape: The school site is bounded by

some mature trees and hedging which affords a level of privacy

to both the school and the adjacent residential dwellings.

Distant views afford contact with the predominantly rural

landscape of East Northamptonshire.

+ Building Orientation: The proposed New Science block Site

occupies the North-East Corner of the site and as such must

be designed to maximize the benefit of passive solar gain

whilst balancing this against solar overheating and good day-

lighting to reduce energy requirements. Each elevation will

need individual care to maximise the benefit and reduce

running costs through the use of solar shading, size and

window orientation. The orientation of the building gives

opportunity to provide a sheltered activity external space whilst

affording protection from the South-Westerly prevailing wind.

+ Articulation: The new buildings scale, massing and its

relationship with the existing building line clearly identify it with

the adjacent school buildings. However, its physical mass

needs to be broken down to a more human scale by use of the

ground floor entrance canopy which defines the entrance and

provides external shelter for children outside. The same

material (the metal cladding) can assist in identifying the

entrance to each new building to help navigate around the site.

+ Accessibility: The new building is well served by the school

local bus routes which is the predominant means of access to

the school. An opportunity exists to improve the pedestrian and

cycle access from Herne Road by widening the footpath to the

site, enabling cyclists and pedestrians to be separated from the

main vehicular entrance to assist in securing their safe

entrance and exit from the site. There is ample opportunity to

provide improved disabled parking immediately adjacent to the

new Reception building with ramped access.

4.3 Existing Building – Details & Characteristics

The School is constructed in a collegiate form as a series of

specialist blocks defined by their taught subject in single and two

storey heights, in a variety of external materials including buff

brickwork, blockwork and metal cladding panels. The sloping

nature of the site defines not only the location of the buildings in

relation to the sports pitches, but also necessitates a series of

ramps and short flights of both external (and internal steps)

between blocks to provide access.

Google Earth – Aerial view (pre-Vocational Learning)

+ 8

Admin, Library & ICT Block Gymnasium & Science

Sports Hall

English, MFL’s, Reception

Social Science Sixth Form

Dining Hall & Stage

Performing Arts

English, MFL’s

Science

Gymnasium &

Science

Vocational Learning Centre

Maths

4.4 Character Examples influencing the Design

An open atrium, good daylighting, solid robust materials, with specific

feature highlights in both form and materials.

+ 9

National Film and Television School

Glenn Howells Architect

Studio E Architects Hackney Academy

Feilden Clegg Bradley: Chelsea Academy, London

Berkhamsted School –pHp Architects

Berkhamsted School

pHp Architects

+ 10

5.0 Design Evolution

5.1 Initial Concept – Science Block

The new Science Building design was determined by the need to

provide 14 up-to date modern science laboratories for GCSE &

Advanced Level Science in a single block, rather than spread out in

different buildings across the school campus. The physical

constraints of the site have largely determined the buildings location

and form. A 11kV Electric cable in the ground to the south-east and

north of the site perimeter determines the available footprint to the

building, as does the bank of trees to the North and east and existing

buildings to the south and west.

The building was conceived as a pinwheel of classrooms around a

central atrium/circulation space affording good communication links,

a sense of openness and good daylighting. ‘Science on show’, was a

key phrase picked up from the school (both internally and externally)

How could the building communicate the activity both physically and

educationally? Green roofs, solar panels, solar shading, air-source

heat pumps, and daylighting were considered as part of the buildings

development.

Extract of feasibility plan identifying site

for New Science Block Extract of Site Survey plan identifying site for New

Science Block with constraints

+ 11

5.0 Design Evolution

5.2 Initial Concept – Sports Hall extension,6th Form & New Reception

The existing sports hall is a windowless black box that is used for

both sports teaching and student exams. Early on it was evident that

the proposed extension provided an opportunity to introduce some

natural light into what was a very dark space . As the building which

sits closest to the entrance of the school site, it also provided the

means to present a new frontage to the school and would ideally be

suited to form the new school Reception area. The dark brown

cladding of the end gable could be transformed by the introduction of

a translucent cladding material to provide some visual stimulus to

what is a blank gable. There is a significant level difference between

the existing floor slab of the sports hall and the existing changing

area(1.35m) which needed to be taken into take account in the

external approach to both buildings. Again this gave an opportunity

to create a feature that identified the different functions of each part

of the extension. The 6th Form study carrels became a special

feature expressed in the external form to clearly identify it in the

elevations

Existing Sports Hall interior

(no natural daylighting)

Existing Sports Hall exterior

with almost blank end-gable fronting site entrance.

Extract of feasibility plan identifying site

for Extension

Sketches illustrating end gable

transformation to create new face to

school entrance

+ 12

5.0 Design Evolution

5.3 Initial Concept – Performing Arts Block

The existing Gymnasium sits adjacent to the existing Science Block.

A very simple shed-like building of basic steel frame and corrugated

metal clad construction. With the need to remove the existing stage

to extend the dining hall to accommodate the increased numbers of

students and the arrival of a new Science block and extended Sports

Hall, the Gymnasium and existing Science facilities can be

transformed into a Performing Arts Block. The adoption of bleacher

seating enables the building to be used either as a theatre with

raked seating, theatre in the round, Dance studio and/or Sports

teaching and examination space. By taking out the end gable of the

Gym and extending out into an underused courtyard, not only could

the theatre seating be realised to accommodate a whole year group

for assembly, but also an enclosed foyer space, to enable

performances to be seen by parents and students. Once the new

Science block has been constructed, the existing classrooms in this

area can then be reorganised to serve as Music performance

classrooms, Music practice rooms, a recording studio and ensemble

rooms.

Existing Gymnasium exterior

with almost blank end-gable

Extract of feasibility plan identifying site

for Extension

Sketches exploring potential

for theatre style seating

and foyer

Existing Gymnasium interior

+ 13

5.4 Scheme Refinement & Previous design Iterations

Following the development of the initial sketches and two-dimensional space

planning of each of the buildings, we were keen to test the ideas in three

dimensions and utilized our computer modelling software to construct a CAD model.

This has the advantage of both communicating the scheme in a very real and

immediate way to the client, but also provides an opportunity to test how the

building responds to the site and the orientation of the elevations by use of daylight

simulation/shadows.

It also helped reinforce the building’s identity through the feel of the shapes and

surfaces. To realise this fully, each of the proposed New Build elements was

modelled separately.

At this point, the 3D-models had not been assigned materials, but were an exercise

in form only, which needed to be seen in context before they could be fully realised.

.

+ 14

5.5 Scheme refinement in Site-wide context

To realise the design fully, each of the proposed New Build

elements was modelled, as well as the adjacent blocks (seen

here in grey) to see the new elements in context.

It was evident that although each of the buildings worked as

individual elements, they also needed to work as a whole

scheme. Although the Science block is a new building, when

seen in context, it is tucked away at the back of the site and is

less prominent from Herne Road than then Sports

extension/6th Form/Reception. It also highlighted the need to

have some common element that differentiated the new

elements from the existing. One of the things that is quite

difficult on the existing site is Its lack of legibility. As you move

from block to block it is sometimes difficult to identify where

the main entrance is to each building amongst the multiple

doors and windows that serve the campus. This highlighted

the need for the main entrance to each of the new buildings to

have a common material or colour (here highlighted in yellow)

that immediately reassures you that this is indeed the

entrance.

At this point in time each of the new elements was drawn just

as a plain colour rather than as a specific material, other than

the green roof to the Science and a suggestion that the Sports

Hall roof might be something other than the brown cladding

already evident to the existing buildings. However, upon

revisiting this on site we were concerned that the introduction

of lots of new colours and materials to the new buildings

would just add to the confusion and multitude of styles,

materials and colours already seen in the existing palette. It

was agreed that a simplified, more muted approach would be

adopted. The materials were then applied to the model before

the images were rendered to reflect this using buff & blue/grey

brickwork with a metallic cladding similar in nature to the tones

of the brickwork.

.

6.0 Use and amount of Development

The location plan shows the proposed increase in development..

+ 15

New Net Internal Area

The existing site area including the sports pitches is

80,790m2 (8.079 Ha). According to NCC Asset

Management Plans the overall school accommodation

currently stands at 10,903 m2 (including mobile

classrooms).

The proposed increase in Gross Internal Area is as follows:-

New Science Block (GFL – 978 m2)

(FFL – 940 m2)

(Roof – 38 m2)

Total 1956 m2

Sports Hall/6th Form & Reception (GFL- 433 m2)

(Extension) (FFL -226 m2)

Total 659 m2

Performing Arts Extension (GFL– 139 m2)

(Extension) (FFL – 75 m2)

Total 214 m2

Increase in GIA Total 2829 m2

Please Note that this increase in permanent floor area is

balanced against the loss of temporary accommodation to

existing mobiles, which have to be removed to enable the

construction to take place.

M540 (135m2)

M549 (289m2)

M925 (116m2)

Loss of Area to Mobiles Total 540 m2

Overall Gain in GIA Total 2289 m2

This represents an increase in GIA of 20.99%

+ 14

7.1 Layout (Science)

+ 16

+ 17

7.2 Layout (Sports Hall, 6Th Form & New Reception)

+ 18

7.3 Layout (Performing Arts))

+ 19

7.4 Layout (AEN & Administration Block)

The increase in student numbers by necessity increases the

number of Teaching Staff, and Admin Support Staff required for the

smooth running of the school.

Whilst the New reception provides a new public face to the school

with administration offices adjacent, there is also a need to increase

the area set aside for Administration office, reprographics, Student

File storage and Business Management/Finance. To this end the

Admin area in Block D0 adjacent to the Library is to be refurbished

and re-configured to provide that accommodation.

The existing AEN (special Needs) classroom is to be re-located

from the current Admin building to the current Reception area which

will by then be vacant. The adjacent Business Support offices can

then be adapted to serve the SENCO team as a dedicated area for

teaching and mentoring those with specific educational needs,

complete with it’s own independent entrance and area for ICT

Literacy.

Extract of Feasibility Plan identifying the

refurbishment of the Admin and

provision of AEN Facility

Block D0 refurbishment and adaptation.

8.0 Landscaping

.

8.0 Landscaping

The developed school site is predominately hard paved with a

series of external ramps and steps between Blocks to

accommodate the many changes in levels. A few brick planters

remain within the original courtyards but others have either been

removed or have been filled in. The larger site is surrounded

with grass sports pitches, hedging and some mature trees (See

Middlemarch Environmental Tree Survey), the majority of which

are to be retained and protected throughout the construction

phase as per their recommendations (see pHp Constraints plans

4157/04, 05, & 06).

A Memorial Garden remains between the Blocks D0, F0 and E0

which will be retained as part of the proposals. To do this

requires creation of a construction access route to the New

Performing Arts Block through the Gymnasium as this is the only

alternative route to bring materials into this restricted access.

(see pHp constraints drawing for phase 3 - 4157/06)

The New Science Block site is currently occupied by a

temporary classroom and an area of tarmacadam. We propose

that the new building has a Green roof to help improve

biodiversity and slow rainwater run-off by replacing the hard

surfaces and providing a net gain in Biodiversity in accordance

with NPPF section 11: Conserving and enhancing the natural

environment. The Green roof is designed with a full perimeter

balustrade and is accessible from the main staircase. This will

enable the school to utilise the area for A-Level Biology practical

work.

Similarly, the Sports Hall extension design incorporates a series

of planters to the entrance which can be used to improve

diversity and enhance the natural environment.

Following a meeting with NCC-planning 12-05-15 (peter moor)

we were advised that a full phase one Ecology Survey was not

required, but a desktop survey. (see Lockhart Garratt Ecology

report include as part of this application).

.

+ 20

+ 21

9.0 Scale

The existing buildings vary in height from single storey to two storey typically between 9m (to eaves) and 12m (to the Ridge).

The proposed buildings generally follow the height of the buildings from which the are extended. The exception to this is the

Science block which sits between the single storey VLC Block and the two storey Mathematics Block. However it is only 8.2m to

the eaves, with just the plant room set at 10.5m. This is set inboard from the perimeter to reduce the impact on the skyline.

.

Proposed Elevation uses same roofline as

existing building .

Existing Sports Hall is 11.980m to ridge

from surrounding groundline

.

Science Block

The new Science building is screened from the housing at

St Christopher’s Drive by the existing bund and planting.

(see photomontage opposite). This photo is taken prior to

the trees coming in to leaf, which will only improve the

level of screening. The initial scheme design had a full

height solid balustrade to the building perimeter, but this

has been changed to a balustrade inset from the edge to

reduce the eaves height even further.

Each building is articulated into smaller elements at

footpath level by the use of lower roofs, door and window

surrounds or canopies to change the scale of the building

at ground level and make them more human in scale.

Large Blocks have been subdivided into distinct parts to

reduce the overall mass of the buildings.

.

Proposed Northern Elevation adjacent to housing

.

Spinney adjacent to housing

.

Performing Arts uses existing eaves/parapet

line of adjacent building

.

Balustrade set back to give

lower eaves level

.

Canopy at Ground level to

change scale

.

Larger block articulated by

materials into smaller

scale elements

.

Louvre Panel to suit mechanical ventilation strategy

Deep overhang to ground floor canopy

for solar shading with Brise Soliel solar

shading to first floor windows

Deep overhang to roof for solar shading and creation of

gateway/fencing

Metallic feature cladding to form deep overhang to

soffit and window surround for solar shading.

(e.g.. Tecu Gold by KME or similar)

Blue/buff brickwork with PPC parapet

coping..

Translucent cladding to sports hall for good

daylighting (Kalwall or similar)

External Brickwork planters to Reception Entrance.

Blue/buff curved brickwork to stair towers

10.0 Appearance

.

+ 22

PPC aluminium curtain walling and windows

White Translucent glazing to study carrels with

coloured dividing fins in PPC aluminium

Blue/buff brickwork to external walls

Deep overhang to southern elevation

for solar shading

Green Roof (to slow rainwater run-off)

10.0 Appearance :

10.1 New Science Block

The following photomontages show the existing and proposed views to the New

Science Block. The photographs have been taken with winter foliage to the

surrounding trees which will provide a significant level of screening to the adjacent

housing to the Northern boundary to the site.

.

+ 23

Existing Maths Block & Mobile Classroom(to be removed)

.

Proposed New Science Block – Southern Elevation

.

Existing VLC, playground & Mobile Classroom

(to be removed)

.

Proposed New Science Block – Western Elevation

.

Distant views, beyond Netball courts/spinney

.

Existing VLC & Playground

.

New Science block –SW corner

.

+ 24

10.0 Appearance :

10.2 Sports Block, Sixth Form & New Reception Extension

The following photomontages show the existing and proposed views to the Sports

Hall and Sixth form block which is to be extended to create improved sporting

facilities as well as create a new school reception

.

Existing Southern Elevation from site entrance

.

Proposed Southern Elevation from site entrance

.

Existing Eastern Elevation from Lower Car Park

.

Proposed Eastern Elevation from Lower Car Park

.

+ 25

10.0 Appearance :

10.3 Performing Arts Block Extension

The following photomontages show the existing and proposed views to the New

Performing Arts Block. The existing gymnasium will be extended to facilitate the

creation of a multi-purpose performance space, whilst the existing Science

classrooms will be converted into Music Classrooms and music practice rooms.

.

Existing Science Block

. Existing Gymnasium

.

Existing ICT, Library & Admin block

.

Existing Science Block

.

Proposed Extension

.

11.0 Materials Palette

.

+ 13 + 26

The existing school has a series of buildings that have developed over

the decades in differing styles and materials, predominantly in Buff

brickwork (or concrete blockwork) with dark blue painted doors,

balustrades/handrails and signage. This is supplemented with some red

coloured cladding panels or brickwork, whilst some of the larger buildings

are clad in a dark brown (Galbestos) corrugated metal cladding.

The school recognise that there are many painted finishes/materials

around the site that have not survived well during their life at the school.

(e.g. the red cladding panels broken by footballs and scratched/peeling

paint on infill panels. pHp propose the use of a mixture of Buff/Blue

brickwork for robustness and durability for the main body of external walls

to the new buildings with a highlight of self-finished metal cladding

(typically TECU-Gold a copper alloy) to define the entrance area to each

new building. This alloy starts life as a shiny polished finish which over

time will patina to a matt finish that will sit well against the brickwork. As it

is self- finished, it has no surface to peel or be scratched off and marks

will self-heal over time as it weathers and the patina develops.

KME Tecu-Gold metal alloy cladding

.

Kalwall translucent cladding

.

Buff/Blue brickwork

.

Green Roofing System

.

existing school cladding

.

Proposed

.

+ 13 + 27

13.3 Detailed Statement

A Detailed Access Statement will be required, at the

appropriate development stage, to satisfy Approved Document

M of the Building Regulations, to include details of provisions

for the access to and for the internal layout and facilities of the

site and building.

An Access Statement from the school will form part of a

continuous process of self-evaluation, which the building

occupiers will need to carry out under their obligations within

the Disabled Discrimination Act. As part of this evaluation

process the future requirements for inclusive access will need

to be continually addressed and future changing needs

incorporated.

The topography of the site will be modelled to form footpaths

set at minimal gradients designed not to exceed 1:20 having

cross-falls not exceeding 1:40. Level rest places will be

incorporated at any ramped incline and drop kerbs at disabled

parking bays and road crossing points all in accordance with

Part M of the Building Regulations and BS8300.

Colour contrasting paving materials are to be incorporated to

highlight pedestrian routes with ‘blister’ type tactile paving at

road crossing points for the visually impaired and people with

learning difficulties. External lighting is to be provided to all

footpaths and approaches.

The main entrances will be clearly identifiable. Signage will

also be used to highlight entrance doors and provide access

information for visitors.

A canopy is to be provided to shelter the main entrance which

will have a level approach to the entrance doors.

The New internal building accommodation will include disabled

passenger lifts, ambulant disabled geometry stairs, wheelchair

and ambulant disabled geometry toilet facilities, doors and

corridors designed to accommodate wheelchair access, door

closers and ironmongery appropriate for disabled use, all in

accordance with the Building Regulations and BS8300.

13.0 Access

13.1 Vehicular and Transport provision

Prior to the proposals presented in this document, a separate

application was made by NCC for approval of a Modular

Village providing temporary accommodation for students

between the arrival of Years 7 & 8 in September 2015 and the

completion of the works outlined here. As part of that planning

application, proposals were submitted for additional car

parking and re-organisation of the existing bus-parking to

accommodate the additional journeys necessary for the

increased student numbers (see pHp dwg 4157/01 & 03(early

works).

As part of the planning consultation, NCC Highways

requested a traffic impact assessment, which was

undertaken by JPP Consulting Engineers and was submitted

with the application. This included the provision of additional

car parking adjacent to the caretakers bungalow as well as a

new area of parking to the lower car park, adjacent to the

Nursery. These measures provide an additional 37 parking

spaces to the school site and increase the bus parking

capacity from 16 to 19.

13.2 Access within the site

Access for emergency services is possible around the building

perimeter. However, to both increase the available perimeter

for fire appliances in accordance with Building Regulations

Approved Document B requirements, these proposals include

an additional roadway and turning area between the existing

Sports Changing rooms and the Dance Studio, as well as

provide construction access to build the New Science Block.

Emergency exit doors are located around the buildings as

required to meet maximum travel distances. The exits will

discharge onto level paved areas without steps, to allow for

inclusive evacuation of all personnel.

Wheelchair refuge points are to be provided within fire

protected zones for evacuation by the emergency services.

The existing staff car park will be re-marked to provide

wheelchair sized disabled parking spaces located closest to the

new reception building entrance.

.

12.0 Crime Prevention

12.1 Boundary Treatment

Currently there is no secure site boundary to the South of the

site. Although there is some fencing to the boundary it is

discontinuous and low level. As part of the ‘Early Works’ phase

of the larger project, the school is currently being fenced to

provide additional security to the site (previously approved

under planning application ref 15/00024/CCDFUL &

15/00703/NCC ). A 1.8m high Weldmesh fence to BS 1722

Part 14 is being installed with automated gates at strategic

intervals for both vehicular and pedestrian access (as

illustrated on pHp dwg 4157/01). The school have requested

that the new fence line secures the buildings whilst maintaining

access to the sports facilities, the nursery and cadets building.

For this reason the fence is set between the building line and

the car park, rather than on the very edge of the site at Herne

Road. This work will be completed by September 2015.

To the east a mature hedge line separates the school from the

new housing development, whilst to the north and west a

mixture of mature hedging, barbed wire, post & wire and

palisade fencing form the boundary.

The Landscape maintenance strategy will include

recommendations to maintain the landscaping to prevent

landscaping becoming climbing aids.

12.2 Cycle security

existing cycle facilities parking (in the form of hoops) are

located adjacent to the site entrance and alongside the existing

sports hall end gable. The latter of which will need to be moved

to enable the extension to be constructed. We therefore

considered it worthwhile to take the opportunity to provide a

covered cycle parking area adjacent to this location.

12.3 Lighting

A lighting design strategy is provided in a separate document

submitted by BSD Electrical consultants.

12.4 External doors and windows

The building is designed to have opening windows wherever

possible. Glazing and doors will be in Aluminium curtain walling

sections with restrictor stays to all opening lights.

For office use: Planning reference ...... /...... /......

School Travel Plan

Prince William School

Herne Road Oundle

928 / 4052

July 2015

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 2

Contents 1 Introduction to the School / College 2 Travel and Transport Issues 3 Travel Surveys – Pupils, Parents, Staff and Visitors 4 Objectives and Targets 5 Proposed Measures 6 Implementation 7 Evidence of Consultation 8 Monitoring and Review Proposals 9 Sign Off Appendices

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 3

1 Introduction to the School / College 1.1 School Information Prince William School is a community upper school taking students between the ages of 13 and 18, located in Oundle, Northamptonshire with a Sixth Form Centre.. The DFE number for the school is 928 / 4052 and it has a current capacity of 1,170.. The school serves a large rural community within a 400 square mile area. From September 2015 the principal feeder schools in and around the town of Oundle are set out below.

• Glapthorn Primary School

• Titchmarsh Primary School

• Nassington Primary School

• Warmington Primary School

• Polebrook Primary School

• Trinity CE Primary School (Aldwincle)

• Thrapston Primary School

• Oundle Primary School

• East Garford Primary School

• Kings Cliffe Endowed Primary School Northamptonshire County Council is currently restructuring the education provision within North East Northamptonshire, moving away from a three-tier delivery model to a two-tier model; as a result the school will become a secondary school taking in pupils between the ages of 11 and 18. The timetabled school day runs from 8.55am – 3.30pm. After school activities are an integral part of school life with many sporting fixtures, homework club, music lessons, sports activities for feeder schools (SSCO), and design club. The school site is open from 7am to 10pm Monday to Fridays in term time and from 8am to 10pm in the school holidays. As a result of the transition from three to two tier delivery, King John Middle School in Thrapston will close and the Oundle and Kings Cliffe Middle School site (located in Oundle) will become part of Oundle Primary School. 1.2 Pupil Information As a result of the proposed transition to a two tier delivery from September 2015 it is predicted the actual number of pupils attending the school will increase by around four hundred. It is anticipated the actual number of pupils will increase from the current 826 to around 1,213. The current capacity of the school is 1,190 and the capacity of the school will increase to 1,750 as the transition to two tier education is implemented form September 2015. The County Council are working with the school to install a number of modular buildings as an interim measure to accommodate the increase in pupil numbers from September 2015. The designs and plans for the refurbishment of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings and facilities at the school are well progressed and it is anticipated all construction work at the school will complete by September 2017. It is anticipated the number of pupils will increase incrementally in the coming years until it reaches full capacity of 1,750.

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 4

Year Age Number on Roll, (February 2015)

Predicted Number on Roll, (September 2015)

Year 7 11 to 12 - 200

Year 8 12 to 13 - 210

Year 9 13 to 14 200 210

Year 10 14 to 15 236 200

Year 11 15 to 16 230 236

Year 12 16 to 17 77 80

Year 13 17 to 18 83 77

Total 826 1,213

There are currently five pupils with SEN statements requiring transport provision. The school currently employs in the region of 117 staff. The total number of teaching staff on the establishment at the school is currently 61 with 11 learning assistants and 26 other academic support staff. The remaining 19 staff consist of reception, administration, finance, site management and other support staff. It is anticipated the number of teaching staff will increase in September 2015 to around 72 with an increase in overall staff to 143. 1.3 Location

Location of Oundle within the County of Northamptonshire Oundle is an ancient market town on the River Nene in Northamptonshire, England, with a population of around 5,800. It is situated 68 miles (109 km) north of London and 12 miles (19 km) South West of Peterborough. The nearest railway station is at Corby, 9.3 miles (15.0 km) west of Oundle. Oundle is a bustling market town dating back to 972 AD. It has a collection of old streets full of independent shops, galleries, a museum and an array of pubs and coffee shops.

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 5

Corby is located 9 miles west of the site via the A427 where there are links to the rail network. The town of Thrapston is 7 miles south of the school site via the A605, toward Wellingborough. Oundle is also home to a large private boarding school. Among the oldest buildings is the Talbot Hotel. This was constructed of timber; it was rebuilt with stone from the ruins of nearby Fotheringhay Castle. Other public houses include the Rose & Crown (a 17th Century Inn Haunted by the White Cavalier), the Ship Inn (a 14th-century coaching inn), the Angel, the George and the Riverside, which is currently derelict. There are a number of churches. By far the most prominent, with the largest steeple in the area, is St Peter's Church which occupies the main churchyard. There are also Methodist, Baptist and Roman Catholic churches. However, the Baptist church does not have its own building and holds services on Sunday mornings at Prince William School. The A605 Peterborough road runs to the East of the town and the A427 from Weldon enters the town from the West. Prince William School is currently accessed off Herne Road, to the south of the site, via a simple priority junction. There are currently two accesses off Herne Road: one entrance and one exit. The extended school will continue to be accessed off Herne Road via a simple priority junction. 1.4 Location Maps

Location of Prince William School in Oundle

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 6

Prince William School Indicative Catchment Area The school catchment area predominantly covers the villages and towns within North East Northamptonshire. In addition to this area a small percentage of pupils attending the school reside in Peterborough and outlying communities. The school serves the following villages and communities within the County.

• Oundle

• Thrapston

• Upper Benefield

• Lower Benefield

• Aldwincle

• Titchmarsh

• Nassington

• Polebrook

• Bulwick

• Barnwell

• Islip

• Kings Cliffe

• Brigstock

• Easton on the Hill

• Elton

• Cotterstock

• Fotheringhay

• Glapthorn

• Thorpe Waterville

• Stoke Doyle

• Woodnewton

• Warmington 1.5 Transport Links Public Buses The closest public bus stop is located on Market Place, near Old Town Hall, approximately 750m from Prince William School. Buses arriving at and departing from the Old Town Hall bus stop at times relevant to school journeys are set out in the Table below. The information provided in the tables below and the appendices was correct at the time of publication.

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 7

Collectively, the 24 and X4 services will provide pupils and staff at Prince William School with public bus services at suitable times for school journeys. The 4N bus is a Callconnect service which must be booked more than 2 hours in advance. The service runs between Thrapston and Oundle, with stops including many Demand Responsive Areas (DRT) and Prince William School. Rail Links There is no railway station in Oundle. The nearest railway stations are Corby and Peterborough, located approximately 17.3km (10.7miles) and 23.3km (14.5miles) respectively from Prince William School in Oundle. Dedicated School Bus Service Northamptonshire County Council currently provides a number of school buses direct to the school for those pupils living outside the 3 mile radius. These school bus services offer pupils at Prince William School a sustainable alternative to the private car. 1.6 Existing Travel Facilities Currently we have a cycle storage area that accommodates approximately ten cycles. There is no facility for students to store cycling helmets. There are no designated cycle routes in the local area. There are currently 143 parking spaces, with 1 designated disabled space and an additional 2 mini-bus parking spaces. On an average day there are 180 cars parked on site with 30+ cars parked out of designated parking spaces. There are currently sixteen coach and bus bays marked out at the front of the school for use by the school bus service. 1.7 School Initiatives participation The school has been awarded Healthy Schools Status. 1.8 Community Use of School The community uses the school site and facilities extensively.

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 8

There is a pre-school nursery, Lindum Nursery on site open all year round from 8am until 6pm Mondays to Fridays employing 9 staff 7 of whom park their cars on site. Prince William School Army Cadets detachment is based on the site with over seventy cadets attending Friday night training and some weekend activities. Oundle Baptist Church is based in our school hall and holds a service every Sunday morning. They have a congregation of 120. From July 2015 the Baptist Church will no longer be using Prince William School due to the re-designation of the school hall to a dining room. Nene Valley Music School runs a growing Saturday morning school here during term time attended by 110 students from the ages of 4 to 16. The school has extensive community use (see Appendix H) including the much-used All Weather Pitch.

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 9

2 Travel and Transport Issues The main travel issue faced by the school is the volume of traffic coming to school at the beginning and end of the school day (8:45-9.00am and 3:20-3:40pm). The school is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, which further impacts on the flow of traffic. 2.1 Parking issues Although there can be around 30 cars parked out of designated spaces, currently, the parking on site is usually adequate. These extra cars are attributable to Sixth Form students who drive to school. The planned works will add 46 car parking spaces. This will be enough to provide for the 26 extra staff that will be required from September 2015, and provides headroom for further staffing increases in the future. The extra spaces will, in the medium term, also reduce the number of vehicles parked out of designated spaces. The works will also provide for a new bus parking layout, which will enable a further 4 coaches to be parked, whilst also allowing for a flow of traffic out of the car park. 2.2 Congestion issues The main congestion occurs on Herne Road. Whilst many of the houses have off road parking, a number of residents do have vehicles parked on the road. In addition, some visitors and some sixth formers do park on Herne Road. The combined effect is that the road width is often constricted, allowing only one vehicle to be able to pass through at a time. 2.3 Speeding issues None 2.4 Lighting issues – on site / off site None 2.5 State of footpaths The footpath leading to the school on Herne Road is the only access for pedestrians. This limits the volume of people who can easily walk to and from school. 2.6 Access to site issues The only access to the site from Oundle is down Herne Road; this can cause a bottleneck, especially at the junction between Herne Road and South Road. There is a footpath/bridleway which runs down the side of the school field down to the A605. 2.7 Local road network Issues Herne Road is a cul-de-sac and as such, traffic coming into Herne Road often uses the school site to turn around. The new housing development adjacent to the school should help to alleviate this issue in the future, as traffic will be able to move down into the new estate rather than coming onto the school site. 2.8 Any journeys undertaken by pupils during the school day The school runs an extensive programme of trips, which accommodate both curricular topics and extra curricular activities. In 2014/15, there were over 20 such trips, with numbers participating raging from around 10 to over 120. In addition, the school has an active sports department, with fixtures occurring at least three times per week. There are usually a maximum of 18 students per fixture. In addition, the school is a Sports Hub, and often hosts sports festivals for the schools within the cluster. Typically,

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 10

these occur once per half term, and can have over 100 students visiting the school. These usually take place in the school day, and timings are set to ensure that the festivals do not run over the start or end of the main school day. 2.9 Other school users’ journey needs, e.g. staff, visitors. The majority of staff travel to school by car, and use the car parking facilities on site. The majority of visitors also travel by car to school, and are usually able to find a parking space on site, although occasionally they will park on Herne Road. The School endeavours to ensure visitors do not arrive during the start or end of the day to alleviate the pressure on traffic. Typically, meetings with parents happen before school, at around 8am, or after the end of the school day, around 4pm. 2.10 Future developments that may impact travel around the school site There is currently a new housing development being built near to the school, off Herne Road. This may alleviate some of the congestion on Herne Road, as traffic will be able to use the new road layout allowing traffic to flow better. This will also create some extra road side parking, again potentially taking some cars off Herne Road itself.

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 11

3 Travel Surveys – Pupils, Parents, Staff and Visitors 3.1 Pupil Survey An essential element of producing a School Travel Plan is to gather up to date information on the travel behaviour of students at the school. With this in mind, a school travel survey was carried out in February 2015 (Appendix A). We surveyed approximately 20% of the school population (204 pupils) of whom all responded, this gave us a balanced representation of pupils views regarding their travel to school The results for students were as follows:-

Current mode of travel

Number

%

Walk

33

16

Car

12

6

Cycle

21

10

School bus

135

66

Public transport

4

2

Preferred mode of travel

Number

%

Walk

36

18

Car

93

45

Cycle

21

10

Other (School bus)

Public transport

54

26

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 12

3.2 Parents Survey 263 parents responded to a survey, issued in February 2015. Many responded in relation to their children’s journeys, rather than their own. Some key statistics were still achievable from this. Notably, 22% expressed an interest in potentially ‘car sharing’. Further, of the 22 people that responded who live within 1 mile, 91% indicated that they already walk to school, with the remaining 9% indicating that they car share. Also, of the 50 parents who responded indicating that they live 1-5 miles away, only 6% indicated that they use a car for their journey. Some key issues that were raised by parents are:

- A number of parents made comments in relation to the school buses: o A number feel that the annual bus pass is expensive o Some felt that behaviour on the bus could be improved by having supervision o Punctuality of the school buses was commented on, including issues around when

the bus breaks down o A number of parents who live out of catchment indicated their interest in using a

bus if one were to stop in their village o Some parents feel that creating access to the School from the A605 would be very

beneficial - Some parents are concerned that the footpaths leading from Oundle to the School are not

wide enough - A number of parents suggested parking restrictions, such as yellow lines, on Herne Road

would be advantageous. 3.3 Staff & Governors Survey, (Including Lindum Nursery Staff) The results for 94 staff, governors and Lindum nursery staff were as follows of these only 93 people expressed a preference.

Current mode of travel

Number

%

Walk

14

15

Car

76

81

Cycle

2

2

Car share

1

1

Public transport

1

1

Preferred mode of travel

Number

%

Walk

14

15

Car

61

66

Cycle

13

14

Car share

5

5

Public transport

0

0

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 13

4 Objectives and Targets 4.1 Travel Plan Objectives The objectives of Prince William School Travel Plan are:

• Objective 1: To reduce congestion in and around the school site at the start and end of the school day

• Objective 2: To promote healthy, sustainable transport

• Objective 3: To improve safety of pedestrians on site during and on completion of building works

4.2 Travel Plan Targets

Objective 1: To reduce congestion in and around the school site at the start and end of the school day

Targets From To Date for achievement

Increase number of pupils cycling to school Increase trips to school made by ‘park and walk’ Increase the proportion of staff who actively car share Increase number of staff walking and cycling

10%

0%

1%

17%

12%

2%

3%

22%

09/2016

01/2016

09/2016

09/2016

Objective 2: To promote healthy, sustainable transport

Targets From To Date for achievement

For the whole school community to be informed on the benefits of eco and healthy travel

09/2015

Objective 3: To improve safety of pedestrians on site during and on completion of building works

Targets From To Date for achievement

Safety measures implemented

11/2017

Prince William School School Travel Plan July 2015 14

5 Proposed Measures

Strategy Measures to be considered

Site design

• Pedestrian-friendly site, with direct and convenient entrances

segregated away from vehicular access • Secure, well-lit cycling parking

Safe routes to school scheme

On routes serving the school: • Traffic calming, speed restrictions • Footpath improvements and widened pavements • Safe cycling infrastructure

Initiatives to support walking

• Walk to School events, e.g. Walk to School Week

Initiatives to support cycling

• Bikeability cycle training • Bike to School events, e.g. Bike to School Week

Support for car-sharing

• Car share promotion, including launch event with opportunities for

finding a match • Preferential parking for car sharers

Managing car use

• Parking restrictions outside school entrance • Restrictions on parent and sixth form parking in school grounds • Park and walk scheme • Car sharing scheme

Education and awareness-raising

• Inclusion of school travel in school policy statements, e.g.

prospectus, school development plan • Inclusion of school travel in induction sessions for new parents and

pupils • Curriculum work on school travel backed by teaching resource • School travel work highlighted in newsletters, letters home,

assemblies and leaflets • Events, competitions and regular focus weeks on sustainable travel

themes

Prince William School School Travel Plan November 2015 15

6 Implementation

Objective 1 To reduce congestion in and around the school site at the start and end of the school day

Target(s) To increase the number of students who cycle to school from 10% to 12% of the school body by July 2016

To have 2% of all car trips to school to use a ‘park and walk’ scheme To increase the number of staff who walk or cycle to school from 17% to 22% To have 2% of the school community actively car sharing by February 2017

Actions Responsibility for implementation

Timescale Success Criteria Monitoring and Evaluation

Funding

No. Description

1 Increase the size of the cycle storage areas

Business Manager / Site Supervisor

On receipt of travel plan funding

New cycle storage installed and used to its full capacity Dft grant

2 Promote the NCC Cycle helmet initiative

Head/ Business Manager

Jan 2016 Increase in students who wear helmets n/a

3 To work with Northamptonshire County Council to ensure those pupils who wish can engage with cycle training initiatives

Travel Plan Working Team / Business Manager

November 2015

Number of students on the programme n/a

4 Through Newsletters 1 Promote Park and Walk 2 Identify Park and Walk Start Point(s)

Travel Plan Working Team / Business Manager

September 2016 Less congestion in and around school site n/a

5 Promote car share to all school staff

Head / Business Manager

October 2015 Reduction in the number cars on site n/a

6 Promote Bike to School Week http://www.sustrans.org.uk

Business Manager June 2016 School community Cycling to school during week n/a

7 Promote Walk to School Week www.walktoschool.org.uk

Business Manager May 2016 More of the school community walking to school n/a

Prince William School School Travel Plan November 2015 16

Objective 2 To promote healthy, sustainable transport

Target(s) For the whole school community to be informed on the benefits of eco and healthy travel by September 2015

Actions Responsibility for implementation

Timescale Success Criteria Monitoring and Evaluation

Funding

No. Description

1 Encourage parents through school news letter to self report instances of bad or inconsiderate driving/parking

Whole school community

October 2015 Less bad or inconsiderate driving/parking n/a

2 To continue to work with police and community support officers to enforce on-going inconsiderate parking

Business Manager On-going Reduction in number of complaints and ‘near misses’ n/a

3 All parents to receive a summarised School Travel Plan with induction packs

Head / School Business Manager

September 2015 High profile of school travel plan n/a

4 Negotiate with NCC Safe Routes to School Team / Walking and Cycling officer for the implementation of walking and cycling routes

Travel Plan Working Team / Business Manager

Ongoing Safer walking and cycling routes n/a

Prince William School School Travel Plan November 2015 17

Objective 3 To improve safety of pedestrians on site during and on completion of building works

Target(s) To have implemented safety measures by November 2017

Actions Responsibility for implementation

Timescale Success Criteria Monitoring and Evaluation

Funding

No. Description

1 Review and improve signage re speed limits

Business Manager / Site Supervisor

September 2015 Cars have slowed down n/a

2 Upgrade amount of external lighting after completion of building works

Business Manager / Site Supervisor

September 2017 Site better lit n/a

3 Installation of new pedestrian crossing and bollards to main entrance

Business Manager / Site Supervisor

June 2017 Crossing point painted in and used by pedestrians n/a

4 Create a safe marked pedestrian route for access to and throughout the school site

Business Manager / Site Supervisor

October 2017 Pedestrian route painted in and being used by pedestrians

n/a

5 Improve on site signage to make the one way system clearer

Business Manager / Site Supervisor

July 2017 One way system being followed . n/a

Prince William School Travel Plan July 2015 18

7 Evidence of Consultation As well as circulating a student questionnaire Governors, Staff and students we were also asked to complete a brief survey to establish their particular concerns which may be significantly different to students. Public consultation has also taken place via the Rural, North, Oundle and Thrapston plan regarding the proposed housing development adjacent to the school site. There have been several public meetings as well as a formal consultation process run by East Northants District Council were one of the main concerns of residents is the impact on traffic around Oundle that will be caused by an additional 145 houses being built on the site which is proposed to have one access point i.e. Herne Road. The school has also met with their local County Councillor and the County Highway Officers to discuss these issues and to seek a solution. At present there seems no solution to reducing the volume of vehicles on Herne Road as there is no County budget to pay for access immediately from the A605 onto the school site (this could have the bonus of removing the need for some of our buses to travel through Oundle). Evidence to compile this travel plan has been collected via

• Student survey conducted February 2015

• Staff survey conducted February 2015

• Meetings with Oundle Town County Mayor and Councillor – 21.01.15

• Governor surveys conducted February 2015

• School council meetings March 2009

• Parent survey February 2015

Prince William School Travel Plan July 2015 19

8 Monitoring and Review Proposals The next travel survey will be conducted in March 2016 and annually thereafter by the School Business Manager. The school travel plan will be reviewed in July 2016 and annually thereafter by the School Business Manager. The school travel plan will consider parent, staff and student travel needs arising from the new developments and the transition to Tier 2 education requirements. The School Travel Plan will be revised to take account of these.

9 Sign Off Signed: _____________________________________ Mark Taitt, Head Teacher _____________________________________ Skip Sortland, Chair of Governors

Prince William School Travel Plan July 2015 20

Appendices Appendix A Copies of the travel survey questionnaires (pupils, parents, staff, governors)