Boost for schools in spotlight at summit

Education facilities in the Dudley borough will fall under the spotlight at this month's meeting of Dudley Council's planning board.

Two applications that could help shape the future of education in the area are due to be considered at the meeting on Wednesday. Plans to create a new dining hall and classroom block at Hillcrest School and Community College and an application to create a professional tutoring centre in Dudley town centre are due to be discussed.

Hillcrest school, in Simms Lane, Netherton, has applied to erect a new dining hall and classroom block with a covered bridge linking new facilities to the existing school.

It is thought the scheme could eventually pave the way for the transfer of 400 pupils from the ageing Northfield Primary School to the new Hillcrest buildings.

Even if planners approve the ambitious scheme – which includes plans to create a contemporary new teaching block with a curved floor and flat roof – it will still need the go-ahead from the authority's development control committee.

If it goes ahead, it will be seen as a strong sign that education chiefs, who have already confirmed they want to bulldoze the dilapidated Northfield site, are eyeing up a relocation programme to Hillcrest as their favoured option.

The expansion plans include proposals to create 12 new classrooms, alongside office and staff accommodation. The proposed two-storey dining hall would be built on part of the existing car park, with just three disabled parking spaces expected to be retained.

An associated application for improved access to the school for traffic and pedestrians, together with a new car park at Hurleys Fold, off Hill Street, is also due to be considered at a later date.

The application has been recommended for approval on the grounds a contribution of almost £5,000 is made for transport improvements in the area.

Planners will also consider proposals for a professional tutoring centre at an office building in Stone Street, Dudley.

An application has been submitted for a change of use from offices to create the Kip McGrath tutoring centre, for children aged between five and 16.

The application relates to the upper floor of the listed building.