Locals are being asked for their opinion for plans for for two new primary schools in Grimsby
If created, the primaries would create 420 combined places for children
Grimsby could get two new primary schools as part of plans to address an increasing demand for places caused by new housing developments.
Residents are being encouraged to have their say from Thursday on plans to build the schools on council-owned land.
New primary schools in Sunningdale, Waltham, and Matthew Telford Park in Scartho Top were approved in March by North East Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet. The plans for the schools are expected to go through the formal planning application process shortly. But residents are able to have their say before then from Thursday, September 29, to Wednesday, October 12, in a pre-application consultation by the council.
Both locations for the schools have been earmarked for education provision by the council for some time. The Waltham school would use council-owned green space between Sunningdale, Lindrick Walk and Archer Road, while the proposed primary in Matthew Telford Park would be situated next to Aldi off Caspian Crescent.
If created, the primaries would together create 420 places for children aged 4 to 11-years-old. A letter has been sent to Scartho and Waltham residents informing them that new housing developments mean there is increased demand for school places.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “New housing brings with it an increased demand for school places, so we have to plan carefully to ensure schools can cope with current and future demand.
“It’s vital that we continue to put children at the heart of what we do, and access to a good quality education is key to ensuring our children can perform well and reach their potential. These proposed new primary schools will each offer an additional 210 places for children and ensure families in these areas continue to have a choice over their children’s education.”
In March 2016, outline permission was granted for 845 new homes in Matthew Telford Park, on the condition that the development was split across six phases. In April, the council’s planning committee gave the green light to approve 20 extra dwellings in a part of the estate where 205 homes had already received full planning permission.
The committee heard during this meeting that nearly four acres of land was to be transferred from Brocklesby Estate to the council to be used for a primary school, and that a planning application for four small retail shops or similar leisure services by the Aldi supermarket was expected to be made later this year. The Aldi store opened its doors in September and plans have previously been submitted for a 66-bed care home in the area as well.
If approved, construction of the two new schools is expected to start in Spring and Summer 2023. Residents who want to have their say on the proposals in the next fortnight are advised to email or send letters to the council’s school assets team, based on the first floor of the Civic Offices in Cleethorpes.