New school building will ‘benefit wider community’

A planned new school in Caerphilly will improve children’s opportunities and benefit the wider community, according to a local ward councillor.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has published detailed proposals for a new-look Plasyfelin Primary School, which will replace existing facilities.

The council hopes to slightly increase capacity at the new school, eventually welcoming 420 learners and 60 nursery pupils.

If the project wins planning permission, a phased construction period will allow the school to continue running while children learn in temporary classrooms.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, who represents the Morgan Jones ward and is also the local authority’s deputy leader, said he and his ward colleagues have supported the project “for some significant time”.

“The facility will enhance the educational opportunities for pupils and open the facility up for wider use,” he added in written submissions to the council’s planning department.

Earlier this year, planning agents The Urbanists held a pre-application consultation exercise on the proposals.

A report shows there were some concerns within the community about the impact on the surrounding area, including transport arrangements and the new school’s size.

The agents said the new school will have “sustainable” growth, eventually welcoming 26 more pupils than the current capacity.

A drop-off and pick-up point on Lewis Drive will be a “positive introduction” to the road network, and the school will encourage pupils to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible, they added.

The works will also include an “informal” dropped-kerb pedestrian crossing north of the existing school access.

The agents also addressed other residents’ concerns about the impact on surrounding homes.

They said new equipment installed there will be screened for noise, and the effects of new lighting “will be minimised to prevent adverse effects on residential properties”.

In a planning statement, the agents said building work will progress while the existing school operates.

“With careful phasing and construction, the new school and infrastructure can be built while the existing school stays in operation,” they explained. “With appropriate management, the new development will be able to operate without undue impact on the safe operation of the local highway network and the amenity of residents.”

Cllr Pritchard welcomed the findings of the “useful” pre-application consultation, and he was “satisfied that there has been a good attempt to make sure resident opinion has been taken on board”.

“There is wide support for the new school in the community,” he added.

Cllr Shayne Cook, who also represents the Morgan Jones ward and is the vic-chair of governors at Plasyfelin Primary, said: “I’m very happy to see plans for such an impressive new modern school move to the next stage.

“Importantly the schools vast playing fields and surrounding habitat will be secured for future generations of children to enjoy.”

The application for planning permission is currently out for consultation, and can be viewed on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website under reference 25/0168/LA.