I am writing to offer our support for the residential led development proposals at land North of Shenfield (R03). The proposals for approximately 825 new homes over a number of land parcels and associated community facilities and infrastructure has come to our attention through the close working relationship we have with Croudace Homes. We have been engaging with Croudace for a number of years discussing prospects for the area and we are keen to assist and play our part in meeting the needs of the community in any way we can. As a key stakeholder in the area, Shenfield High School felt it was pertinent at this stage of the Local Plan process to submit a representation to the Regulation 19 Plan.
We are already in partnership with Hutton Football Club who are also looking to develop sports facilities int eh area. HFC are proposing a football ground which could provide excellent opportunities and extend facility use for Shenfield High School students and the community as a whole.
We have been working with Croudace for some time and discussing the education needs for the area especially in light of the potential development. We have recently become aware that the Local Plan site allocation (R03) includes land that is not promoted by Croudace. This extends the allocation to around 825 dwellings, rather than circa 510 dwellings, which was originally proposed. AS such, this will have a significant impact on the education provision and requirement in the area.
The latest published ten-year plan from Essex Schools Organisation team shows that in the next few years, there is already a small deficit in primary school places forecast, and this is not taking into account any of the proposed developments.
Two years ago there was a large deficit in Primary place numbers forecast, and we were working with Essex schools Organisation team to explore possible solution, At the time, we commissioned a full feasibility study into the possibility of extending our buildings, facilities and age range to offer all through education from Primary through to sixth form, and possibly even early years education. The plan was strongly supported and we almost got to the point of full agreement before a revision in Essex forecast data showed the deficit position to have reduced. On that basis the project did not go ahead, but it was highlighted as a good option for the future where demand was still predicted.
The nw development proposals would obviously have a significant impact on the requirement for Primay places in the area and we feel our previously explored solution is still a very good one. Croudace have included tour feasibility study in their proposals as we agreed that working together to deliver a great education solution as part of the overall development plan was the best way forward.
The proposed development will also have a significant impact on the demand for Secondary Places which is something else we have been considering with Croudace as part of our discussions. Shenfield High School is an extremely popular secondary school and sixth form and we are very open to working with Croudace and other developers to address the education needs at both Primary and Secondary levels. We have some excellent potential solutions which are very flexible and cab be adapted to meet emerging needs as the project progresses.
In addition to demand for school places we have been discussing with Croudace the possibility of identifying shared spaces that could be used by both the school and local community. This is of particularly relevant to open green spaces but we have also discussed some possible community opportunities. The school has strong links with several organisations that could benefit the community. As an example, we are currently working closely with a local community radio station and a charity who provide respite day care for dementia sufferers.
We have an excellent working relationship with Croudace and have discussed various options for the capacity and condition of the school other education provisions in the area and for community facilities beyond the basic school requirements.