Planning green light for new school in Scartho with space for 210 pupils (and four families of swifts!)

Not much in the way of landscaping for the proposed Scartho school but  consideration has been given to wildlife

THE go-ahead has been given for a new primary school to be built in the Scartho area of Grimsby.

At this week's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee, councillors approved the project which has has been earmarked for land adjacent to Aldi's supermarket off Matthew Telford Way. 

It will be large enough to  accommodate 210 pupils, aged between 4 and 11, and is being built in response to local population  increase following the construction of new housing nearby.

Play facilities and sports pitches will be included.

The landscaping proposed for the new school  is modest, and the design design is likely to win any architectural awards. 

But the planning conditions for the consent provide an important bonus.

On the recommendation of consultant ecologist Celia Commowick - backed up by NELC ecologist Rachel Graham - a minimum of four swift nestbricks are to be installed.

                                             

Making space for swifts (and bats)

There will also be one bat box  on the southern or eastern elevation of the new building for use by pipistrelle bats.

Says Ms Commowick: "The bat box should be located at least three metres  above ground and should not be placed above windows or doors, where the resultant droppings may become an issue. 

"The box must not be subjected to external lighting. 

"The box must be installed during the construction phase as it must be incorporated into the wall." 

                                         

Location and layout of the proposed school