Council urged to authorize reconstruction of primary school

Local officials are being asked to approve a plan to demolish and reconstruct an ageing primary school in the West Yorkshire village of Sharlston Common, near Wakefield. The redevelopment of Sharlston Community School includes enhancements to the car park, creation of new sports fields, and installation of a multi-use games area (MUGA).

The project is part of the governments wider school rebuilding initiative, according to Wakefield Council. However, Sport England has raised objections because the proposed new school building would occupy a portion of the existing playing field.

A council report emphasized that the main goal is to replace the outdated school structures that are nearing the end of their useful life. In response to Sport England's concerns, the report noted that "a new playing area with a MUGA will be developed on land to the south of the site once the current school is demolished." It also highlighted that a substantial portion of the current playing field to the north, which includes a rugby pitch, will remain intact, resulting in "a significantly greater provision of playing field area than the minimum required."

Local residents have submitted two further objections citing worries about traffic and parking during construction. Nevertheless, other community members have voiced support for the rebuilding plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Planning officers have recommended approval of the project, which will be considered by the planning and highways committee on 11 December.

Author: Riley Thompson