Minutes:
The
Committee received the comprehensive report of the Head of Transformation in
relation to the above. Members then
raised the following issues:
·
Members were pleased to see Officers’ responses to the points raised as a result of the consultation, but queried the
outcome in relation to the windows in the gym.
Officers advised that the architects had been made aware of the concerns
and would address these.
·
Concern was also expressed that teaching staff had been advised that
they may be required to teach a different phase. Officers advised that this could not be ruled
out but that teachers would only be asked to teach those lessons/year groups in
which they were qualified.
·
In relation to queries on the planning application, Members were advised
that these would be dealt with at the Planning Committee.
·
Members asked whether the £12m needed for the development would result
in additional pressures on the Authority and were advised that this would not
be the case as the cost of the new build formed part of the Council’s 21st
Century Schools Band A programme of projects for which funding had been
secured.
·
Reassurances were sought that parking would not be an issue at the new
school and Officers advised that the 3 ward Members had been involved in the
development of the plan and that the Planning Committee would also consider
this prior to any decision being made.
One of the local ward Members confirmed that this had been the case and
that with the proposed development the current parking issues would also be
addressed.
·
Officers were asked why the commitment to sporting activities at the
north campus of YNGG was not as great as that at Bae Baglan and the proposed new school at Margam and questioned
the consistency of the Strategic School Improvement Programme. Officers advised that each school proposal
was developed on a scheme by scheme basis having regard to individual
circumstances and need. The constraints of the land available was a factor in the
considerations. Site constraints and
affordability required the development of YNGG to be dealt with over 2 phases.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by
Cabinet.