New outdoor classroom to be developed in Cockermouth
The plans were originally submitted in September 2024
A new outdoor classroom and forestry school can be built on land near a Cockermouth school after the plans were unanimously approved by councillors this week, despite a mixed reception from people within the community.
Members of Cumberland Council’s planning committee met at Allerdale House in Workington on Wednesday (April 9) to consider the application for a playing field near Fairfield School and next to Mountain View.
Planning officer Naomi Howard told members that the application was recommended for approval subject to a number of planning conditions.
A local resident was given the opportunity to object to the proposal and she told members that she was against the plan on the grounds of “parking, heritage and drainage”.
Ward councillor Andrew Semple (Cockermouth South, Labour) told members that he supported the proposal and that the site had stood empty for a number of years.
He said it was a sympathetic development and the land was "severely underused". He added: "It’s got so much potential for the children and families I represent."
Chris Steele, the headteacher of the school which has more than 450 pupils, told members the application was not just about enhancing a piece of land but it was also aimed at making sure the 'school remains fit for purpose' in the future and it would facilitate outdoor learning.
When it was put to the vote members unanimously supported it and they granted planning permission for the development.
The plans were originally submitted in September 2024 and, as well as the proposed outdoor classroom it will include an access track from the existing site entrance, drainage works in association with the proposal.
An officer’s report said that the "proposed classroom will provide an open learning space, two changing rooms, four WCs (including two equal access WCs), storage for outdoor equipment and a small kitchen".
The report said: "The classroom will be used only for education purposes by Fairfield Primary School and Mayfield Sixth Form (located at the former Joseph’s Primary School).
"The hours of opening will be from 7am until 6pm Monday to Friday during term time only. Fairfield Primary School have also requested use of the building for up to four weekends per year for school related events."
In response to a consultation on the plans, 31 representations were received from separate properties. These included 13 letters of objection, 17 letters of support and one letter neither objecting nor supporting the proposed development.