Redevelopment plans for school with Raac

A report said the Raac had "significantly compromised" the functionality of the Birmingham school

Major redevelopment plans for a Birmingham school "heavily affected" by potentially dangerous concrete have been recommended for approval.

A report found that Baskerville School in Harborne, which provides specialist education for pupils with autism, suffers from the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

Permission is being sought for a new two-storey building at the school, with existing buildings on the site also to be demolished if the proposals are given the green light by council planners on Thursday.

Raac is a lightweight concrete that was used in the construction of many buildings between the 1950s and 1990s.

A report said the Raac had "significantly compromised" the functionality of the school.

"In order to address the most pressing aspects of Raac, a phased approach to the development is being sought," it said.

The report said the plans would also address "significant concerns" over inadequate parking, leading to congestion and mini-buses waiting on nearby Fellows Lane.

This would involve a new parking layout, with additional circulation space and mini-bus parking, so mini-buses can park within the site, rather than parking and waiting on Fellows Lane.

"Not only would this assist with existing congestion but would also ensure safer pick up and drop off provision for pupils, the report said.

Temporary buildings

The document also said concerns had been raised by a resident that the two-storey building would be "imposing".

"A two-storey building currently presents to the front of the site," it continued.

"The proposal would be set slightly further back."

It said the height of the proposed building would be consistent with the "scale and massing" of homes along Fellows Lane.

Recommended the plans for approval, the report said: "There would be no increase in pupil or staff numbers and the proposed built form would be set back considerably from surrounding residential properties.

"Overall, the proposal would have no harmful impact on the amenity of adjoining residential properties but does offer an opportunity to improve the existing car parking arrangements at the site."

Three temporary buildings have also been proposed: a sports hall, reception area and toilet block.

"This will allow the site to remain operational for the foreseeable," the report said.