Primary school to be demolished and replaced

The new school will be built on an existing playing field at the school site

A primary school is set to be knocked down and replaced, after planning permission was granted.

Leeds City Council greenlit plans to build a new two-storey school in place of Holy Trinity Church of England Academy in Rothwell.

The existing school currently teaches 210 pupils aged between four and 11.

Under the scheme, which is part of the government's School Rebuilding Programme, there will also be new sports and play facilities.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the new school will be built on an existing playing field at the Queensway site.

The council's South and West Plans Panel heard the project faced multiple planning objections from nearby residents.

Concerns included traffic and parking problems, the layout of the buildings and the loss of privacy for householders.

The new school will not mean an increase in pupil numbers

However, the scheme was recommended for approval by the panel at a meeting on Thursday.

A planning report said: “The overriding benefit of the scheme is the provision of new purpose built, modern and enhanced educational accommodation.

“This is a matter of significant and substantial importance and weighs heavily in favour of the proposal.”

The report said the proposal did not involve an increase in pupil numbers at the school, which is part of Abbey Multi Academy Trust.

Holy Trinity Church of England Academy would remain open while building work is being carried out, before being demolished and replaced with new playing fields.

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