Committee PLANNING COMMITTEE (A) Report Title ST MATTHEW , ST JOSEPH’S VALE SE3 0XX Ward Blackheath Contributors Louise Holland Class PART 1 Date: 1 NOVEMBER 2011

Reg. No. DC/11/76480

Application dated 10.11.2010 and letter dated 5.5.2011

Applicant Hazel McCormack Young LLP on behalf of St Matthew Academy

Proposal The construction of a Sports Hall with two storey element, to provide changing room, fitness suite, office, storage and WC facilities.

Applicant’s Plan Nos. 1492/001 Rev P1, 002 Rev P1, 005 Rev P2, 010 Rev P3, 015 Rev P3, 016 Rev P1, Design & Access Statement

Background Papers (1) Case File LE/405/5/TP (2) Adopted Unitary Development Plan (July 2004) (3) Local Development Framework (May 2007) (4) The Plan (July 2011)

Zoning Adopted UDP - Existing Use

1.0 Property/Site Description

1.1 St Matthews Academy occupies land on both sides of St Joseph’s Vale and is a recently built school which opened in 2008. The Academy provides education for children from nursery up to Year 11 and replaced both St Joseph’s Academy boys and Our Lady of Lourdes . The school buildings are on the west side of St Joseph’s Vale while games pitches are provided on the east side of the road. The school when built was to accommodate 900 Secondary, 420 Primary and 25 Nursery pupils. The development was carried out in phases, in that the new school building was constructed on the original playing field areas and then replacement sports pitches were laid out when the original school buildings were demolished.

1.2 The school is accommodated in a large building comprising linked elements up to three storeys in height. The Academy has been built to take advantage of the changes in level throughout the site and it has a lower ground floor that cuts into part of the site.

1.3 The building has 2 main spines running east-west, with wings of varying lengths off the north block. The building is punctured by a series of lightwells, voids and courtyards to allow for natural light.

1.4 The north block accommodates the Primary School function at the western end, which has a separate access from the Secondary School. The remainder of the north block provides secondary education facilities, including what was originally the sports hall which has been converted to classrooms and ancillary rooms.

1.5 The south block provides a library, restaurant area, admin offices and the majority of the teaching rooms. The Nursery is also accommodated in the western end of this block and like the Primary School facility, has a dedicated external space, separate from that used by the Secondary School.

1.6 The building has been finished in a modern palette of materials with large expanses of glazing, white render, zinc and timber cladding and galvanised steel sheets.

1.7 Both vehicular and pedestrian access to the Academy is via a single access off St Joseph’s Vale. The school has 42 vehicle spaces and over 200 cycle spaces.

1.8 The original design of the school allows for community use of a number of facilities including the assembly room, dance/drama studio and sports hall.

1.9 The current application relates to land to the north of the main school building close to the northern boundary of the site. Three single storey blocks of temporary classrooms are currently located in this part of the site.

2.0 Planning History

2.1 There are a number of permissions for St Joseph's Academy secondary school and Our Lady of Lourdes primary school which are of limited relevance since the redevelopment of the site.

2.2 In 2005 planning permission was granted for the demolition of buildings on the site and construction of a part single, part two, part three storey building, plus part lower ground floor level, to provide a new Academy, together with associated landscaping and playing fields, provision of 232 bicycle and 42 car parking spaces with access off St Joseph’s Vale (DC/04/57340).

2.3 Since the approval of the Academy there have also been a number of applications received and dealt with regarding detailed submissions.

2.4 In March 2011 planning permission was granted for the retention of 3 single storey blocks comprising 6 temporary classroom units, together with access ramps at the rear of St Matthew Academy St Joseph's Vale SE3 (DC/10/75107). The consent permits the retention of the buildings until 31 March 2012.

2.5 Also in March 2011 planning permission was granted for the alteration and conversion of the existing sports hall at St Matthew Academy, St Joseph's Vale SE3, to provide classroom accommodation, including external facade alterations to form new window and door openings and the extension of an existing external staircase to first floor level (DC/10/75832). This scheme has been implemented and the new classrooms are now in use.

3.0 Current Planning Application

3.1 This application is for the construction of a new Sports Hall with associated changing, storage and fitness suite and alterations to existing landscaping. The Sports Hall would replace that recently converted to classroom accommodation. The proposed Sports Hall is to be located on the site of the existing temporary classrooms.

3.2 The building would be of two storeys and would be broadly rectangular, measuring 9m in height x 18.7m wide x 46m long. In addition there is a single storey element on the northern side that measures 5.6m (h) x 4m (w) x 16.9m (l). The external materials that have been proposed comprise largely of aluminium micro rib cladding (in 2 colours) with a blue brick plinth mainly on the north elevation. The smaller north element of the building will be clad in western red cedar cladding. The windows, doors and curtain walling are all to be aluminium to match the rest of the school.

3.3 The Design and Access Statement explains that when the school opened in 2008 it inherited a relatively small number of boys from St Joseph’s Academy and as intended, the school roll has increased year on year, so that the planned total roll of 900 students in Years 7-11 has now been attained, as of September 2011. It notes that due to financial restrictions imposed on the project the original school design was downscaled during the design process. Due to the layout of the teaching space a number of shortfalls with regard to accommodation became apparent following the opening of the school, such that some of the teaching concepts were identified as not effective, leaving a shortage of classroom space. The effect of this was that in June 2010 the school was already at maximum capacity and the temporary classrooms and conversion of the original gym, for which planning permission was granted in March 2011, were measures designed to ensure provision of sufficient teaching space for the full Years 7-11 roll of 900 students.

3.4 The proposed new gym is seen as the third and final phase of the programme to create additional teaching accommodation to cater for the 900 students in Years 7-11. The temporary classrooms are to be removed, which would then allow for the construction of the new gym. It has been confirmed that overall student numbers are not planned to increase as a result of this proposal.

4.0 Consultation & Replies

Neighbours & Local Amenity Societies etc

4.1 Letters of consultation were sent to 76 neighbouring properties and the Blackheath Society, together with notices displayed on site and in the local press. Ward Councillors were also consulted.

4.2 A total of 15 responses have been received. Of these, 12 are objection letters from the occupiers of 2, 24, 29, 64, 66, 85, 129, 130, St Joseph’s Vale, 7 and 10 Nesbit Close, 3 The Meadway, 5 Lee Terrace. 1 letter from the occupier of 3 The Glebe makes comments on the application and 2 letters from the occupiers of 54 St Joseph’s Vale and 1d The Glebe are in support of the application.

4.3 The letters of objection that have been received raise the following issues:-

• Work is still incomplete at the old entrance in The Glebe. Lighting and car park use not being adhered to. • Will the temporary classrooms be removed? • Traffic nuisance is a big issue for residents. • Will the artificial playing fields remain? • Noise disturbance is insufferable and stressful in a residential area. • Development is ill thought out. • Why must pupil number reach the planned amount? • Access to the school is inadequate. • Construction machinery causes obstruction and delays. • Drop off and pick up times result in the road being blocked. • Where will construction vehicles enter/exit the site. • Not clear where the building is to be located from the site plans. • Overlooking will occur from the new classrooms. • Coaches and delivery vehicles often obstruct the road. • There should be an area within the school grounds for drop off/turning area.

4.4 The letters of support state:

• Noise levels that are produced from the school are neither excessive or a nuisance. • The proposal will promote health and well being of children. • It is vital for schools to have appropriate facilities.

(Letters are available to Members)

4.5 Following the number of objections that were received, a Local Meeting was held at 7:00pm at St Matthew Academy on 28 th June 2011. The meeting was attended by 3 residents. The main topics of discussion at the meeting related to issues concerning traffic/cars and possible inconvenience of construction traffic. Residents were advised that although these concerns are relevant to the application, this is a wider issue that the school is aware of and are working to resolve. None of the attendees said that they objected to the new building that is proposed.

Highways and Transportation

4.6 The school are not proposing to increase pupil numbers from that previously agreed in the plans for the new school building. Highways therefore raise no objection to this application as it is considered that the current issues of traffic and drop offs will not be worsened by the proposal.

5.0 Policy Context

Planning Policy Guidance

5.1 PPG 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation (2002) states the importance of open spaces, sport and recreation to the quality of life.

London Plan (2011)

5.2 Policy 2.18 of the London Plan 2011 states that the Mayor will work to protect and promote London’s network of open and green spaces, to realise the current and potential value of open space, including health, sport and recreation.

5.3 Policy 3.6 relates to Children and young peoples play and informal recreation facilities. This emphasises the need that all children and young people have safe access to good quality, well-designed, secure and stimulating play.

5.4 Policy 3.18 supports the provision of Educational Facilities and promotes the enhancement of educational and skills provision.

5.5 Policy 3.19 requires that boroughs should ensure adequate provision of sport and physical activity facilities in partnership with the Majors Sports Legacy Plan.

Lewisham Core Strategy

5.6 The Core Strategy was adopted by the Council at its meeting on 29 June 2011. The Core Strategy, together with the London Plan and the saved policies of the Unitary Development Plan, is the borough's statutory development plan.

5.7 The following lists the relevant strategic objectives, spatial policies and cross cutting policies from the Core Strategy as they relate to this application-:

Core Strategy Policy 7: Climate change and adapting to the effects

Core Strategy Policy 8: Sustainable design and construction and energy efficiency

Core Strategy Policy 14: Sustainable movement and transport

Core Strategy Policy 15: High quality design for

Core Strategy Policy 16: Conservation areas, heritage assets and the historic environment

Core Strategy Policy 19: Provision and maintenance of community and recreational facilities

Core Strategy Policy 20: Delivering educational achievements, healthcare provision and promoting healthy lifestyles

5.8 Retained UDP Policies

5.9 Policies that are of particular relevance in the UDP are: LCE 3 Education Sites and Playing Fields, LCE 1 Location of New and Improved Leisure, Community and Education Facilities, URB 3 Urban Design, URB 12 Landscape and Development, URB 13 Trees, URB 16 New Development, Changes of Use and Alterations to Buildings in Conservation Areas, HSG 4 Residential Amenity and ENV.PRO 10 Contaminated Land.

6.0 Planning Considerations

6.1 The main planning issues are:

• The design of the building, including the impact of the proposals on the main school building and the character and appearance of the conservation area; • The impact on the amenities of neighbouring properties; • Loss of open space and implications of the development on the school’s Sports Management Plan; • Traffic issues.

6.2 Design and Conservation Issues

6.3 As described above, the proposed gym building is to be a single block of an overall height of approximately 9m and a footprint measuring 46m x 18.7m (exclusive of the single storey equipment store). There is a single storey equipment store shown on the north elevation of the building. This will be accessible through the main gym and is to be 17m (w) x 4m (d) x 5.5m (h).

6.4 The main entrance to the building which is to be substantially glazed, is on the south elevation, which faces towards the main school buildings. Located at the eastern end of the block is the entrance lobby, changing/shower and toilet facilities (on the ground floor) and a fitness suite (at first floor level). The main gym area is to be a double height space.

6.5 The design of the gym reflects that of the main school building. The form and scale of the building is largely determined by the requirements of a Sport England compliant 4 court sports hall, particularly as regards plan area and height. The building is to be built in clad in 2 main materials. These are aluminium cladding (in 2 colours) and cedar cladding (which is found on the north elevation). This is very similar in style and design to the main school buildings and reflects the appearance of the original school. The entrance is clearly defined by the large expanse of glazing, which will allow for a good level of light into the main entrance lobby of the building. Full materials specifications are set out on drawing no.1492 015 Rev P3.

6.6 It is not considered that the building will detrimentally impact on the overall school as it has been designed to be sympathetic to the materials of the original school building. The impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area would be neutral.

6.7 Impact on Neighbour Amenity

6.8 The site is some distance from the closest residential properties with the nearest houses being located approximately 70m away in St Joseph’s Vale, on the other side of the railway line to the north.

6.9 Throughout discussion at the local meeting it was mentioned by residents that they did not object to the new gym building in itself but were more concerned about traffic issues. Due to distancing and screening it was generally accepted that the physical presence of the new building would not impose on residents.

6.10 The new gym would not be highly visible from outside the site, being enclosed by existing school buildings and due to the boundary screening around the school site. The main views of the gym will be from inside school grounds. The impact therefore that the building would have on neighbouring residents is considered to be minor.

6.11 The proposal would result in the loss of 15 non-mature trees, however it is proposed that additional planting would be provided to the northern site boundary to assist in the screening of the north façade.

6.12 Loss of Open Space and Implications on the School Sports Management Plan

6.13 The part of the school site where the new Sports Hall is proposed was originally intended to be used as an informal recreation area for Years 7-11 students and has not been used for formal outdoor sports. The adjacent Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) would not be affected. While the loss of any open space on a limited school site is to be regretted, the school has confirmed that this particular space was not intensively used and other available areas were more favoured by students. On balance in the context that there would be no increase in the school roll, it is considered that the decision on how best to use school facilities can be left to those involved in education provision, subject to ensuring the amenities of neighbours are protected and to compliance with other relevant policies.

6.14 Concern has been raised regarding the loss of sports provision whilst these changes are in the process of being implemented. The school would have all the external sports surfaces to use, which were not available to the school in the initial two years. Changing room facilities for all on-site activities would remain available throughout. The use of external facilities such as the Ladywell Arena and Blackheath Common would still be venues used for special events (as previously stated in the original application) and would ensure that pupils are able to use full size facilities when required.

6.15 The existing Sports Management Plan for the school relates to the original scheme, including the original gym, however the main principles and content of the Sports Management Plan remain relevant to the proposed new gym.

6.16 The school has made a number of provisions to take account of the temporary loss of the original sports hall. An Interim Sports Management Plan has been drawn up and this states that the Primary School has its own designated facilities and the school caters for both indoor and outdoor activities for this age range. The proposed gym, along with its construction, does not alter the original Primary School arrangements in any way.

6.17 The Secondary pupils formerly used the sports hall specifically for a range of activities including gymnastics, trampolining, badminton, volleyball and basketball. The Interim Sports Management Plan sets out that the PE curriculum would be adjusted to compensate for the lack of participation in particular sports by introducing a new fitness programme for all year groups. It also states that during construction works students will still have some access to the above listed activities with the school making use of off-site sports facilities including at other schools in the wider area for some PE lessons.

6.18 All other sports that are provided either take place outside using the grass or all- weather pitches or in the main hall, dance studio or drama studio. All of the other main team sports that the school provides (football, rugby, netball, hockey, rounders, athletics and running) will remain unaffected by the works as they are all outside activities.

6.19 It would therefore seem that throughout the period when the Sports Hall would not be available that sports provision would not be severely interrupted.

6.20 Traffic Issues

6.21 Many points raised by neighbours in objection letters relate to concerns about an increase in numbers, which would cause further traffic problems, however, it has been confirmed that the number of students attending the school is not proposed to increase above the originally envisaged pupil numbers. The new gym building will not result in additional pupil numbers on site, but will instead form part of the school’s plan to provide adequate teaching facilities for the pupil numbers envisaged in the original planning approval for the new school in 2005.

6.22 When the scheme for the new St Matthew Academy was originally considered the overall number and age of students at this site was considered appropriate at this location and traffic arrangements were dealt with on this basis. The original design included an on-site drop-off facility, however the school does not allow parents cars on site for reasons of safety. As student numbers are not proposed to increase this is not viewed to be a significant consideration of this application, nor is it considered that pedestrian safety would be compromised as a result of the proposal.

6.23 The school Travel Plan has been updated (May 2011) and this includes a range of measures to encourage walking and cycling by students, parents and staff and use of other sustainable modes of transport. The school actively discourages driving and parking. It would seem that most of the concerns raised in relation to this application are related to highways/traffic issues that do not directly relate to this particular application, but are in fact related to the existing organisation of vehicle activity associated with the school generally. The issues of parents parking and dropping-off/collecting continues to be the subject of discussion both within the school, with parents and also parking enforcement.

7.0 Consultations

7.1 The issues raised in the objections have been taken into consideration in the report above.

8.0 Conclusion

8.1 The design of the new sports hall is considered acceptable and the proposed building would not unacceptably impact on the amenities of neighbours. The loss of an area of open informal recreation space is regrettable however it is highly desirable to replace the dry sport and recreation provision that has been converted to classrooms. The proposal is considered acceptable in the light of the school’s overall needs.

9.0 Summary of Reasons for Grant of Planning Permission

9.1 On balance, it is considered that the proposal satisfies the Council’s Land Use and environmental criteria, and is in accordance with Policies 15: High quality design for Lewisham, 16: Conservation areas, heritage assets and the historic environment, 19: Provision and maintenance of community and recreational facilities and 20: Delivering educational achievements, healthcare provision and promoting healthy lifestyles in the adopted Core Strategy (June 2011) and Policies LCE 3 Education Sites and Playing Fields, LCE 6 Artificial Grass Pitches, LCE 1 Location of New and Improved Leisure, Community and Education Facilities, URB 3 Urban Design, URB 12 Landscape and Development, URB 13 Trees, URB 16 New Development, Changes of Use and Alterations to Buildings in Conservation Areas and HSG 4 Residential Amenity in the adopted Unitary Development Plan (July 2004).

9.2 It is considered that the proposal is appropriate in terms of its form and design and would not result in material harm to the appearance or character of the surrounding area, or the amenities of neighbouring occupiers. The proposal is thereby in accordance with Policies 15: High quality design for Lewisham, 16: Conservation areas, heritage assets and the historic environment, 19: Provision and maintenance of community and recreational facilities and 20: Delivering educational achievements, healthcare provision and promoting healthy lifestyles in the Core Strategy (June 2011) and LCE 3 Education Sites and Playing Fields, LCE 6 Artificial Grass Pitches, LCE 1 Location of New and Improved Leisure, Community and Education Facilities, URB 3 Urban Design, URB 12 Landscape and Development, URB 13 Trees, URB 16 New Development, Changes of Use and Alterations to Buildings in Conservation Areas and HSG 4 Residential Amenity in the adopted Unitary Development Plan (July 2004).

10.0 RECOMMENDATION GRANT PERMISSION subject to the following conditions:-

(1) L01 Planting, Paving, Walls etc.

(2) The building shall be finished in those materials identified on drawing no. 1492 015 Rev P3. unless otherwise approved in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason

(2) B01R Facing Materials – New Buildings