Brighton primary school seeks planning permission for ‘bulge’ class hut

A Brighton primary is seeking planning permission for a temporary hut so that it can take a “bulge” class to help alleviate the shortage of school places.

Saltdean Primary School, in Chiltington Way, Saltdean, is expected to learn tomorrow (Wednesday 25 June) whether it can put up the hut.

A report to the Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Committee recommends granting permission. This would allow the school to take 480 pupils instead of the current 450.

The report to councillors said: “Planning permission is sought for the erection of a single-storey prefabricated building to the north east part of the site to accommodate two classrooms and toilet facilities.

“The building is required for a temporary period of five years to accommodate an additional 30 pupils at the school.”

Five letters, including a petition, objecting to the proposal have been sent to the council by the school’s by neighbours in Chiltington Way and Effingham Close.

The objectors said that the building should be located in a more discrete and less exposed part of the site, not on open playing fields.

They expressed concerns about increased parking pressure and traffic from additional pupils, parents and teachers.

And they said that the building was unsightly, out of character with the area and would cause a loss of views of the playing field.

Sport England also objected. It accepted the temporary loss of part of the playing field but felt that the hut should be in a different location.

The school said that the location was chosen for practical reasons such as drainage and a need for hard surface access.

The report to councillors said: “On the basis that no better location is reasonably possible, together with the temporary nature of the structure, it is considered that the building on the site can be supported.”

The Planning Committee is due to decide the application at a meeting at Hove Town Hall tomorrow starting at 2pm. The meeting is open to the public.

The report is in the agenda which can be read here.