Children could soon be taught in a fit for purpose school building - after being taught in an office block for six years.
A decision is due on the demolition of a community centre and day centre to allow for the construction of a site for the 'outstanding' The Olive Primary School.
The Department of Education (DfE) submitted an application on behalf of The Olive Primary School to the council at the end of last year.
At the time The Olive Primary School opened in 2016, it did so at Ashton House on Waterloo Street, a site described as dangerous by some due to its location close to the A666.
The school is to be moved to the site of the Jubilee Centre on Tennyson Street, with the community centre and day centre to be moved to the site of the former Firwood School.
The application, for outline planning permission rather than full planning permission, reads: "The DfE and Bolton Council explored a number of permanent site options and the Jubilee Pool was identified as the preferred site for the trust [Star Academies].
Olive School could continue to operate on 'unfit' site for three more years
Top marks for The Olive Primary School which is officially 'outstanding'
"This application therefore seeks outline planning permission for the demolition of the current facilities on the site and the erection of the purpose-built primary school which will be the permanent home for The Olive Primary School."
READ MORE: Westhoughton Town Hall refurbishment to be 'scrutinised'.
The school is to be three storeys and almost 10 metres tall, with a car park, drop-off and pick-up zone, play area and multi-use games area. All access is to be one-way, with an entrance on Darley Street and an exit on Tennyson Street.
At consultation, three residents opposed the proposal for a number of reasons from overdevelopment to the impact on traffic. But the planning committee is recommended to approve the proposal when it meets at the town hall this week.
READ MORE: Bolton council tax to rise as budget approved at town hall.
A report to the planning committee reads: "The applicant has demonstrated the site has the ability to deliver the proposed level of development.
"The proposal is necessary to serve the demand for primary school places within the local community, in accordance with the Development Plan and other material considerations. Members are therefore recommended to approve this application," it adds.
As the application is for outline planning permission rather than full planning permission, the details such as the appearance of the school are still to be decided at a later date.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel