New special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) facilities and an all-weather pitch are part of a redevelopment project approved for Sandy Secondary School.
Applicant Central Bedfordshire Council’s plans for the 17.5-acre site off Medusa Way include a two-storey teaching block and a single storey SEND building.
The proposals also feature cosmetic changes to the school frontage and landscaping, according to a report to CBC’s development management committee.
“Some of the older buildings will benefit from internal renovation,” said the report.
There was no objection from Sandy Town Council, but eight representations received over the impact of noise and light pollution from the all-weather pitch and concerns about increased use of the playing fields outside school hours.
Senior planning officer Eilis Edmonds told the committee: “The development will help the school’s transition from a three-tier to a two-tier education system, providing space for 1,440 pupils.
“The playing fields already expose neighbouring properties to increased noise, with the all weather pitch the potential to increase noise and light levels during the evening,” she said.
“A noise impact assessment was submitted which should ensure these levels fall within parameters, if recommended mitigation measures are implemented.
“These include fence design and arrangements to restrict the hours of use to 8.30am to 8pm daily.”
The two-storey building will provide 21 classrooms, five IT suites and two food technology labs, as well as a sixth form common room and study area, storage space, meeting rooms and offices, added the report.
“There are three SEND classrooms in the other block, more offices and storage rooms, a kitchen area and changing rooms.
“The new artificial pitch will have a 3G rubber crumb surface and be floodlit via four lighting columns.”
Independent Sandy councillor Simon Ford said: “As an ex-pupil, and it’s been a while since I left, the school is very much in need of this redevelopment and makeover.
“Pupil numbers have significantly increased and the popularity of trying to obtain a place has grown.
“There’s been an incredible amount of work done by the school and by council officers. This is very much welcomed to start a new chapter within education in Sandy.”
Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno said: “The fact we’re proposing to put a closure on it at 8.30pm will take away those concerns around noise and light pollution which brought this before the committee.
“It’s not unreasonable for a school site to be used in the evenings. Officers have put the right solution in place.”
Independent Linslade councillor Victoria Harvey suggested more planting is needed on the site near Brindley Close and Havelock Close to help reduce the noise for neighbouring properties.
Councillor Dalgarno explained the screening issue is covered within the planning conditions.
Conservative Sandy councillor Caroline Maudlin, who chairs the committee, described it as “great news” for the town, saying: “The area of land councillor Harvey is talking about is away from the new pitch. And the residents can always put their own fence up.”
Councillors unanimously agreed the scheme.
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