THE design of Shropshire’s first “school of the future” has been slammed by Bridgnorth planners who say the new-look William Brookes school will be “alien to the character of the area”.
Bridgnorth District Council is demanding that Shropshire County Council has a rethink over the £26.5 million redevelopment plans for the Much Wenlock school.
The chairman of the district’s development control committee, Councillor Elizabeth Yeomans, said members were united in their views and were “very disappointed” with the design of the buildings.
“The committee did not feel that the buildings did justice to a historic town like Much Wenlock, and it was not a plan that we would allow if we were the planning authority determining this application,” she said.
“As it is we are consultees and can only advise on this matter. We were quite astounded by the design.
“The school has four separate blocks which do not look as if they belong together.
“Both the flat roof design and materials lack sympathy with the historic character of Much Wenlock and we were hoping for something more appropriate to the surroundings.
“We are worried about the height of the floodlights, the design of the fencing and the loss of mature trees which are subject to a tree preservation order. Members believe very strongly that the county council should have a rethink over these plans.”
The plans are to be discussed by county planning bosses next month and work on the school is planned to start in January under the Government’s flagship Building Schools for the Future programme. The school is set to be completely rebuilt to provide state-of-the-art educational facilities for 1,050 pupils plus enhanced community provision.
The Edge Arts Centre and the Much Wenlock Leisure Centre will also be rebuilt.
Plans include a new 25 metre swimming pool, a four court sports hall, a 250 seat performance hall, 90 seat lecture theatre, dance and drama studios, all weather pitch and multi-use games area. Top quality classrooms will be provided along with new workshops and laboratories.
It is hoped staff and pupils will be able to move into the new school in September 2010 with the existing school remaining in place during the construction work.