Decision details

This report sets out detail on:

• the proposal to formally expand Holly Grove School, Burnley from 50 to 70 places  with effect from 1 September 2014; and

• the responses received during the statutory notice period in order for the decision maker to make a determination in respect of the proposals.

Previous reports to the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools in respect of this proposal were dated 7 November 2013, when approval was given to commence consultation; and 6 February 2014, when the consultation responses received were considered and approval was given to publish statutory notices.

The authority published a statutory notice on 14 February 2014. In accordance with the statutory process for school expansion proposals, the notice invited

Representations (objections or comments) within the statutory six week notice period, i.e. from 14 February to 27 March 2014.

Under the statutory school expansion procedure, a decision should now be taken about the proposal. If the authority fails to decide the proposal within two months from the end of the representation period, the proposal and any representations about the proposal must be passed to the schools adjudicator for decision.

The constitutional arrangements of the County Council provide for the decision to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and Standing Order 25 has been complied with.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools:

(i)  considered the information in this report;

(ii)  conditionally approved the proposal to make a prescribed alteration to Holly Grove School, Burnley by permanently expanding the number of places available from 50 to 70 with effect from 1 September 2014, subject to the granting of planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and County Planning Act 1990; and

(iii)  approved that an appropriate statutory decision letter be sent out as specified under legal requirements to give the reasons for the decision to those who are to be informed of them.