Bentham to get new primary school (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Bentham to get new primary school

5:26pm Friday 1st July 2011 in High and Low Bentham news By Kate Proctor, Reporter

BENTHAM is to get a state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly new primary school.

North Yorkshire County Council planners unanimously gave the green light for the school at Low Bentham, which will be made from stone and have a grass roof.

The school will cater for 150 primary age children plus a nursery.

County Councillor Arthur Barker, Executive Member for Schools said, “We are delighted that planning permission has been approved. The new school will be a great asset, offering 21st century facilities for children, families, and the communities of High and Low Bentham.”

Highways measures will include traffic and pedestrian islands, a raised zebra crossing, and new and widened footpaths.

“The county council has been working to improve school facilities for primary aged children and their families in Bentham since 2005.

"It has taken years of site analysis, planning, design, and negotiations with landowners to reach this point.

"Despite significant recent reductions in the level of capital resources available, we recognise the new school as a priority for capital investment,” he added.

The application will now be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for consideration, as development within the green wedge is a departure from a policy in the Craven District Local Plan.

Subject to consideration of the planning application by the Secretary of State, and a satisfactory competitive tender exercise, it is anticipated that the new school will be completed in late 2013.

County councillor David Ireton, local member for North Craven said: “This is a great step forward for the Bentham communities.

"A thriving school with up-to-date facilities will provide a wonderful resource for our families and help to give children the best possible start in life.

"In this way we also ensure the sustainability of our communities.”

Catherine Boocock, High Bentham Primary’s headteacher said: "Staff and governors are delighted that we are at last going to get a new school for Bentham.

"It is brilliant news for the whole area and will provide excellent facilities for the present and future families."

In 2009 Low Bentham Primary School closed with its pupils transferring to a primary at High Bentham.

This new school is designed to provide improved facilities for children in both communities.