Gorseinon Primary School planning application is published

GORSEINON is set to have its say on proposals for a £6m, 21st century primary school that will aim to serve the children of the community for generations to come.

A planning application for a new school at Parc y Werin in Gorseinon has been published which, if approved, will see Gorseinon Primary School united on one site for the first time in its history.

If the proposals gain backing from planning councillors pupils could move from three outdated buildings – two more than 100 years old – into state-of-the-art facilities by spring, 2017.

Pupils would also have safe, direct and easy access to green space to play and learn, many for the first time in their school lives.

The planning application was published by the council’s planning department on October 15. Residents, pupils, Gorseinon Town Council and other groups will all have a chance to have their say on the proposals.

The planning application says: “The proposed development will bring about substantial community benefits.

“Not only would there be a relocated and upgraded playground with new equipment designed to meet the needs of local children but the proposals include a new community room within the school building which would be available for hire to community groups.

“Furthermore, the provision of an all-weather pitch would be made available for letting by community groups and sports clubs at weekends and holidays and the new car park will remain open during evenings and weekends so that it can be used by the community.”

Among the planning application’s key features:

• A new, single storey school for 315 pupils, also featuring nursery/reception facilities. It would be capable of expansion to 420 pupils if necessary.
• The school building’s footprint will cover just under 6.5% of Parc y Werin, about half of what was originally estimated by the council.
• New community facilities including a community hall and a multi-use games area.
• A new children’s play area located near the bowling pavilion which will be completed before the new school is opened.
• The main sports field will be unaffected and only two trees will need to be cut down. The famous Black Poplars will not be affected.
• A new 40-space car park and space for 16 bikes which will be available to the public outside school hours.
• A transport survey says there will be ‘no significant adverse impact on highway safety’.

The planning application can be found at this link http://www.swansea.gov.uk/planningsearch and entering the application reference number: 2015/2074. Those who wish to comment on the application may do so by following the links on the website or by writing to the planning department at Economic Regeneration and Planning, Planning Services, Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN quoting the application reference number (2015/2074).