Middleton academy set for green light

Plans to build a new academy in Middleton are set to be given the all clear by Councillors on the Middleton Township planning sub-committee.

The new 900 place St Anne's academy will be built on the site of the present school buildings near the junction with Hollin Lane with Hazelhurst Drive if plans are given the green light.

There are currently 650 pupils at the academy. The replacement academy would increase that figure by 250, with 750 pupils aged 11-16 and a 150 place post-16 facility.

All of the exisiting buildings would be demolished under the plans apart from one red brick building which will be incorporated into the new development.

Proposals for the new academy include a sports hall and a multi-use games area with floodlights.

So far the Council has received no objections to the proposals.

Council planning officers believe that the nearby roads will be able to cope with the increased number of pupils attending the academy.

A summary of the planning officer's report reads: "This proposal contributes to the national and local aspirations of transforming educational provision by providing up to date and appropriate buildings and facilities. It would provide a facility of high quality design which would enhance the local environment on an established site without detriment to local residential amenity. I recommend that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions indicated above."