Community facilities 3.e. a two-form entry primary school to be provided soon after completion of 300 dwellings.

This policy element has a specific requirement for provision of the full two-form entry school 'soon after completion of 300 dwellings'. We are not aware however, of any evidence to support or justify this specific figure.

We are aware that there is limited capacity within existing primary schools locally and that provision of the new primary school will be required early within the development programme, to ensure sufficient spaces are available to meet the needs of new residents. However, we consider that the timing/programme of the school should be subject to a specific assessment to determine the timing of its provision.
We suggest that this is subject to testing through the proposed 'Delivery and Phasing Programme' (see below). This would determine with some certainty and verified by the education authority, that the timing is appropriate and achievable. It may also consider the potential phasing of the school (for instance phased opening) to meet the additional requirements generated specifically by the development of the SDA.
We also outline issues with the timing and location of the school under 3.r. below. The requirement to deliver the school to this programme may limit the location within the site.