Planning approved for redevelopment of Ridgewood School, Doncaster
Project overview
The ADAS Planning team obtained planning permission for the redevelopment of the school, including a three-storey educational facility. The application was accompanied by:
- associated high-quality soft landscaping
- pedestrian provisions
- outdoor canopies
- the relocation of the car park and bicycle shelter
- a temporary car park
- the demolition of redundant buildings.
Background
The school is circa 1.95 miles to the northwest of Doncaster City Centre and 900 m west of Scawsby. The sprawling site layout comprised of several buildings and pedestrian routes. The proposal to replace dated buildings on site with a modern and highly sustainable development would contribute to Doncaster’s need for state-of-the-art schools. It would require significant investment by the Department of Education. A key priority was to demonstrate that modernising the school would provide better opportunities for students in Doncaster, which is in the 10% most deprived local authorities for educational provision.
Actions
ADAS Planning put forward a robust case, highlighting the condition of the current buildings and local needs. We explained how current facilities were not fit for purpose and highlighted the City of Doncaster Council’s commitment to improve schools in the Doncaster Local Plan 2021.
Considerations
Several considerations had to be addressed from the start of the project through to the determination period of the planning application.
Due to the site’s location within the Green Belt, we advised on the building’s positioning at the outset of the project. A ‘Very Special Circumstances’ case was provided in the Planning Statement submitted with the planning application.
There are residential properties in proximity to the east of the proposed development and residential amenities. Through early engagement with the Council, we managed to alleviate concerns and shape thinking about what constituted a planning matter and relevant design guidance.
By involving technical consultants, we could assess and address highway, hydrology, and arboriculture issues proportionately. Additionally, the development was designed to be carbon-neutral and result in a biodiversity net gain. The design included the installation of bio-solar green roofs and solar roofs on canopies. Green space and mature trees would allow for the attenuation of surface water and provide cover in heat. Glazed areas and air source heat pumps would provide heat control in summer and winter months.
Results
It was concluded that the proposal represents a significant investment by the Department of Education to replace dated and unsustainable buildings on site with a new, modern and highly sustainable form of development that will provide a more ergonomic facility for both staff and pupils, whilst also aligning with the UK Government’s goal of becoming Carbon Neutral by 2050.
By addressing any harm from the outset, the case officer deemed that the benefits of the application to the public outweighed any harm related to the Green Belt, residential amenity, and design.
