Dear Maresa,
Construction of modular prefabricated classroom building
to be located on an existing playground at the rear (south) of the school, for a
temporary period of 7 years. Beckley School, Main Street, Beckley,
Rye.
With reference to your memo of 20th June 2013 and
request for comments on the above planning application by 11th July
2013; I have reviewed the application and have the following
comments:
1.
The site is within the High Weald AONB and any proposed
development needs to have regard to the natural beauty of the area. The
school is located in the built up area of the village and is surrounded by
residential development to the north and west and countryside to the south and
east. The school grounds are enclosed by trees in the garden to the west and
along the east boundary; the southern boundary is open to adjacent farmland. The
Victorian red brick school building makes a positive contribution to the
character of the local streetscape as does the adjacent tree lined playing
field.
2.
There are views into the school playground from
the B2088 and the public footpath which crosses the field to the south.
3.
The utilitarian design of mobile units are rarely
sympathetic with local vernacular architecture, however it is recognised that
they are a necessary temporary solution to provide essential classroom
space.
4.
The mobile unit will reduce the surfaced play ground
space available to the school and no doubt the need to provide classroom space
outweighs this loss.
5.
The proposed site for the mobile classroom is a discrete
corner of the school playground which will minimise the potential impact on the
local streetscape and as the building will be viewed against the backdrop of the
school the impact on surrounding countryside will be minimal.
6.
The landscape character of the site and surrounding area
is of moderate sensitivity to change and of low visual sensitivity. The
proposed development will be an minor change in the context of the village
setting. The overall impact of the proposal will be low and therefore not
significant.
7.
In conclusion it is recommended that the proposed
development can be supported as the local landscape impacts will not be
significant.
Ginny
Virginia
Pullan CMLI
County Landscape
Architect,
Economy,
Transport and Environment Department,
East
Sussex County Council
Tel: 01273
482639
Mobile:
07786171433