DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

Warmington School

At

School Lane, Warmington, . PE8 6TA For

Northamptonshire County Council (c/o Lend Lease)

Prepared by

Peter Haddon and Partners Architects

March 2015

 First Issue P1 03/03/2015 CW 1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

ASSESSMENT

Physical Context

Warmington is a village and in East Northamptonshire, with a population of 874. The Nene Way footpath runs through it and is well signposted. It is 2½ miles east of the town of Oundle near the border and is 10 miles south west of the city of Peterborough.

It has a large 13th-century church, and fine watermill, manor house and dovecote. Most of the houses, however, were built in the 1960s and 1970s. A large estate of private homes has been added since the turn of the millennium increasing the size of the village by around 30%. Warmington is a working, functional village with some impressive old stone buildings which are considered very attractive.

Warmington has a small lower school that in 1980 had around 25 pupils in total but has since grown considerably over the years with a significant expansion in the early 1980’s. There are 4 classes. Robins are the pre-school children who attend from 3 years. The Hedgehogs are 4 and 5 year olds, Foxes for 5 to 7 year olds and Badgers for 7 to 9 year olds. The nearest junior and secondary schools are in Oundle.

The village can be accessed by single carriageway main road, the A605, or winding country lanes leading from villages such as Morborne and Ashton via the steep 'Cooke's Hill named after the farmers there in the 1960s and previously known as Broadgate Hill.

The village has a square plan following the levels of expansion over the past 4 decades. The majority of the new housing estates are set around cul-de-sac roads. The main material aesthetic is of semi or detached brick dwellings with tiled roofs and casement windows.

The School is not a listed building and is not in a conservation area.

2

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

Above: The typical housing type directly opposite the school.

Warmington School was expanded largely in the 1980’s, with buff brick and a flat felt roof. The result is a building with low architectural qualities.

Above: Typical material and building form of the existing school.

3

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

Above: The original school buildings have a prominent traditional form, however, the original external material has been covered with a painted render which is in a poor state.

The school has a good sized tarmac playground and grassed playing field predominantly to the west. To the north west of the site, close to the school buildings, there is a large trim trail and soft play area. The north eastern area has a tarmac playground used by the youngest children and is separate to the main playground.

Currently, the school entrance is situated on the southern elevation of the building, which is accessed through the car park and playground. The school have stated that this is not an ideal situation as it conflicts with their desires for security and is at the opposite end of the building from the Office and reception.

Social Context

Following a strategic review of the Education System in East Northamptonshire and after several stages of consultation, final Northamptonshire County Council Cabinet Approval was given to a change in the School system from a three tier to two tier School system on 11th November 2014. The effect of this change in policy will be that a number of village Schools in the area will have to increase their age range from 4 to 9 years, at present, to 4 to 11 years from September 2016.

In this case, Warmington school will change from a lower to a primary school in September 2015, and the school will have a class of Year 5 pupils for the first time. In September 2016 the school will accommodate the full primary age range (Reception to Year 6) and two extra classrooms will be required.

This planning application is for a proposed expansion at Warmington School to increase capacity by 30 primary places, due to a change in the school age range from 4 – 9 years to 4 – 11 years.

Following the strategic review of the education system in East Northamptonshire, the school will change from a lower to a primary school in September 2015, and the school will have a class of Year 5 pupils for the first time. In September 2016 the school will accommodate the full primary age range (Reception to Year 6) and an extra classroom will be required.

The education review in East Northamptonshire has had several stages of consultation and received final Cabinet approval on 11th November 2014. The proposals for Warmington School include an expansion to the existing school and extension of age-range. Statutory Notices were published on 18 September 2014. The Headteacher and Governing Body of the school have been involved in the development of the plans for the expansion.

Planning Policy

Although the project is on a relatively minor scale and the main reason behind the proposal is to achieve the changes to the Education System in East

Northamptonshire noted above, we have however still referred to various local and national planning polices when considering the location, scale, design and finishes of the proposed extension forming this application.

4

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

The key documents reviewed include the following:

 North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy, adopted June 2008.

 National Planning Policy Framework, March 2012

Further information regarding the above policies can be found in the Planning Support Statement accompanying this application.

USE

Warmington school provides education to the village and some other villages in the area.

In order to achieve the required net number of pupils within the school a new classroom is required. This will also involve the removal of an existing mobile classroom from the site.

The new classroom forms the majority of the extension with a small new Office for the Head Teacher added linked via an existing break-out area to the centre of the school. The classroom will create the teaching space required for the larger number of years within the school.

Above: Proposed site plan

Externally the extension is situated on a redundant part of the existing outside playing areas. The proposals aim to mitigate the small loss of trim trail area by re- installing this close to the other soft play area.

5

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

Internally, the existing Heads Office is to be transformed in to a new entrance lobby. This will be accessed through a new set of external automatic doors. The existing office adjacent to this will now become the reception office, with a hatch through to the lobby. These changes will alter the access to the school, providing a positive focal point.

AMOUNT

The new spaces created have been designed in line with the guidance set out in Building Bulletin 99 and 103, taking account of NCC recommendations on current practice and space requirements. The two new classrooms have been sized to enable the full provision of pupils with the required facilities for learning.

The proposed classroom has been designed as a single storey building with a offset ridge duo-pitch roof over. This form enables low level windows to be located facing the playing field to bring in high levels of natural day light, and high level windows to encourage high levels of natural ventilation.

The roof verge is to connect with a new entrance canopy to emphasise the new access point for the school.

The roof above the new Heads Office and corridor link is designed as a flat roof area to tie in with the existing flat roof.

The existing site is able to accommodate the new classroom comfortably. The proposed location takes advantage of an area with little use.

LAYOUT

The position of the new classroom takes advantage of a small area of infrequently used playing field as stated above. It is easily connected to the existing school via a break-out space which has an existing glazed wall with external door.

6

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

A primary benefit to the location of the propose classroom is that it can combine with the works to form the new access. By tying the new access and new classroom together with the new canopy and fresh materials a new focal point is created for the school. The transformed access will shift the visitor entrance to the north elevation, directly off School Lane, increasing the site security and formalising the Reception.

The proposed position of the new classroom ensures that the existing layout of the school continues to function well.

Windows to the classroom are to be fitted to the southern and western elevations. This will create privacy for the classroom and enable the proposed school signage to be established on the large blank wall to the north elevation.

An additional length of footpath is proposed to the front of the school. This will connect with a new access gate to the side of the new classroom and be used at school opening and closing times by pupils. The school have requested this be added as it will reduce the number of pupils entering through the car park which is a hazardous approach. By providing this new access point the school frontage will be used more, contributing to the shifted frontage of the site.

SCALE

Above: View from School Lane. The large hedge and timber panelling creates a separation between the original school buildings and the 1980’s extension – which is to be re-faced as part of the new entrance works.

Above: The scale of the proposed classroom, although in contrast the main school buildings which are flat roof, does not contradict too heavily when viewed in elevation. The duo-pitched roof enables natural ventilation to be promoted within the classroom, which in turn ‘book ends’ the school buildings.

7

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

Above: West Elevation. The proposed classroom will have a series of top hung windows to increase levels of natural light.

The proposed canopy height is set to match in with the existing flat roof height to maintain the common level in that area.

LANDSCAPING

Arboricultural Report

An Arboricultural Survey, in the form of a Pre-Development Survey, Impact Assessment and Method Statement, was commissioned and carried out by Middlemarch Environmental Limited and this Report, together with any recommendations resulting from this survey, are submitted separately with this Planning Application.

The proposed development will require the removal of a small section of the existing hedge and the removal of two trees to permit the access and construction of the new proposed classroom and pathways. A single Tibetan tree is located within the site and due to its location this tree has a low visual amenity value to the site and the local landscape. The section of hedge that is to be removed is located on the northern boundary and is present to School Lane, so this hedgerow has a high amenity value to the immediate local area. However, the trees to be removed are of a low retention value and can be reinstated at a later date.

Additionally tree number 34 is also to be removed due to the tree to the long term conflict the tree may have with the power located above the crown of this tree.

All other trees and hedgerows surveyed are to be retained and protected during the course of the proposed development, the protection methods are shown on the Tree Protection Drawing Number C118726-02-02, which is contained within section 7 of this report.

Ecological Report

A Habitat Survey, in the form of a Day Time Bat Survey, was commissioned and carried out by Middlemarch Environmental Limited and this Report, together with any recommendations resulting from this survey, are submitted separately with this Planning Application.

APPEARANCE

The existing School is a mix of the original buildings, constructed in the 1900’s, and the larger extension of the 1980’s. The latter, which is directly connected to with the proposed extension has buff brown brick walls, wide white framed casement

8

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

windows and flat felt roofs. The only raised element of the 1980’s part is a water tower which is somewhat if an eyesore. These materials and forms do little to create a positive architectural quality.

A move away from this style to inject some positive additions to the existing palette of materials and flat form of the existing, the proposed extension will tie in with the new entrance on the North elevation. This will be done through the re-facing of the existing and new in a white render. Furthermore, the eaves, verge, fascia and soffit of the classroom extension and canopy will be finished with a red aluminium to connect the joining elements and give a unified appearance. The red colour has been selected as it is the colour of the school.

The geometries of the canopy and classroom roof act with each other to create interest and animation for the new entrance, providing the focal point coveted by the school. The addition of the school name in cut out form in the same red material adds to the concept and overall scheme.

Above: View from School Lane illustrating the unified frontage to the school.

Following consultation with the Planning Authority the proposed intention to provide the school with a new focal point and unified frontage with new access point was viewed as beneficial and pragmatic. Also, the existing building was deemed to have low architectural quality or worth, so to re-face as we intended would be a benefit to the school’s appearance.

The new classroom will not have windows facing School Lane. This will provide privacy to the classroom resulting in an opportunity to provide a large sign for the school name. The Red colour, which matches that of the school logo and colours, creates a unified and definite main entrance and frontage to the school as a whole.

The classroom extension continues with this theme on the rea side for continuity and establishes a mark for the new elements of the building.

The duo-pitched roofs to the classroom block will be finished in dark grey standing seam metal roofing. This material has been selected due to its efficiency and durability, with a colour that will attempt to match with the existing felt roofs.

9

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

Above. View from the playground.

INVOLVEMENT

Planning Consultation

Pre-Application advice on the scheme design, building forms and external materials was discussed with NCC Planning Officers on 21st November 2014 during which the Planning Officer, in principle agreed with the preliminary proposals shown to them.

Public Consultation

The Design Team undertook a detailed process to meet with the local public/community and consult with them on the scheme. We have met with the school, governors and village residents and a Pre-Application Public Consultation event was held at the school on 27th January 2015, which was attended by a number of village residents and School parents, who completed feedback forms presented on the evening. The majority of comments were in strong support of the proposals, both in terms of the vibrant design for the new entrance and focal point and location of the new classroom. The proposed colour scheme, new materials and form of the new entrance were viewed with significant enthusiasm, low impact on the existing play areas and improved school facilities. The proposed new pupil access point was seen as a sensible approach to the school.

Design Development

A number of meetings have been held with the School, Project Manager and Design Team throughout the design process and all details discussed/agreed with the School to confirm the requirements for each space prior to progressing with the final detailed design stage.

ACCESS

Access Policy

As Architects, Peter Haddon and Partners work to achieve compliance with the Building Regulations Part M ‘Access To And Use of Buildings’ and recommendations found within BS 8300:2009 and other industry guidance publications. We fully

10

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

understand the requirements of the Disabled Discrimination Act and we undertake regular consultations with Local Authority Access Officers and Access Groups in order to maintain a high level of awareness in designing for inclusive access.

Peter Haddon and Partners are committed to a policy of equality, inclusion and accessibility achievable through good design. The basic right for access to and use of buildings for all is recognised as the most fundamental basis upon which the design should be established. It is recognised that all individuals have a range of abilities which vary greatly and some of which may be impaired, requiring consideration upon the Designer’s part to ensure that as wide a range of abilities as possible are accommodated.

In the case of the proposed works to the School Peter Haddon and Partners have included the following to ensure, in this case, the new building and internal alterations are fully accessible and the design and construction of the building will fully achieve compliance with Building Regulations AD Part M or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995:

Car Parking

Existing car parking at the School will be unaffected by the developments, including the existing designated disabled parking space located in the existing car park, adjacent to the main entrance to the School building.

Approach and Entrances

The proposed front entrance to the School Reception will be fitted with fully accessible automatic sliding entrance doors, including accessible friendly thresholds and with external disabled ramped access. Other existing and new external doors are also fitted with doors that have accessible friendly thresholds and external access and all new external doors will be similar.

Circulation

The new buildings and internal alterations have been designed in accordance with the following as standard (where possible):

Corridors and passageways will be a minimum of 1800mm wide (or 1500mm wide with passing places), with either level floors or ramps (no steps).

Colour contrast of at least 20 points Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is to be provided between walls and floors, floors and ceilings.

Colour contrast of at least 20 points Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is to be provided between door/door frames and surrounding walls, door face and leading edge to non- self-closing doors and between Ironmongery and doors.

Ironmongery door handles are selected to meet the requirements of BS8300 to be operable with one hand using closed fist.

All doors are designed to provide minimum clear opening widths, measured to the face of any protruding Ironmongery, to comply with Building Regulations AD part M table 2.

11

1500303cw4153A2.1 Design and Access Statement

Doors on access routes are fitted with vision panels towards the leading edge to provide minimum zone of vision between 500mm and 1500mm from floor level.

Sanitary Accommodation

We confirm fully accessible sanitary accommodation exists in the School, central located near the Hall, so there will be no requirement for the proposed development to add to these existing facilities.

12