West Midlands primary school to be demolished and replaced with new building

The redevelopment of a Birmingham school is set to go ahead after being given the green light by council planners.

Major plans were previously lodged to demolish an existing building and build a a new one at Welsh House Farm Junior And Infant School in Quinton.

The proposals were recommended for approval in a council officer’s report, which argued the scheme would provide ‘public benefits’.

With the application now approved, the existing building onsite will be torn down to make way for a new building, which used as a replacement primary school for 248 pupils, as well as a nursery and SEND unit.

A new car parking layout, all weather play area, landscaping and amenity areas will also be provided.

Speaking at a council planning meeting today, Councillor Duncan Ali (Green, Balsall Heath West) said: “It’s been really well thought out, I know that area quite well – a decent educational establishment there is very important, as everywhere.”

“This is a very exciting plan by the school,” Coun Raaj Shamji (Conservative, Sutton Four Oaks) added.

The council officer’s report previously said the scheme would ‘enhance educational accommodation’ and provide improved outdoor play and recreational facilities.

“While the development would result in the loss of a number of existing trees and would introduce a larger building form within the site, these impacts are limited in nature and can be appropriately mitigated,” the council officer said.

“The significant educational, social and environmental benefits of the proposal are considered to outweigh any limited adverse impacts.”

The report added: “The proposed development would not be harmful to the area’s visual amenity, the residential amenity of surrounding occupiers, the functioning of the local highways network, ecology or trees, or result in undue flood risk.”

At ground floor level, the new building will include a main entrance, a centrally located assembly hall, nursery and reception areas and a suite of SEND facilities, including therapy rooms.

The first floor will include four junior classrooms and two infant classrooms, a staff room and the headteacher’s office.