School to be redeveloped after plans approved

A primary school is set to be demolished and rebuilt under a "high-quality" scheme after plans were given the go-ahead.

Stow Heath Primary School in Willenhall, Walsall - and located on the edge of Wolverhampton - was earmarked for redevelopment as part of the Department for Education's (DfE's) school rebuilding programme.

Q+A Planning, acting on behalf of the DfE, submitted the planning application to City of Wolverhampton Council in December, describing the current school buildings, off Hill Road, as "not fit for purpose".

Approving the project on Friday, a council planning officer said it represented a "substantial investment" in educational infrastructure.

"It will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for existing pupils, nursery users and Send [special educational needs and disabilities] students," the planner's report said.

"The scheme will deliver a high-quality replacement school building, improved external learning and recreation spaces, enhanced parking and access arrangements, and a comprehensive landscaping strategy."

According to the planning documents, the current U-shaped school building would be knocked down along with the other existing structures, with the exception of the Rainbows nursery.

It would then be replaced with a two-storey, L-shaped building, plus a multi-use games area.

The planning officer said the site's sporting facilities could be used by the community outside of school hours.

"The development will not result in unacceptable impacts on neighbouring residents, highway safety, pedestrian safety or sporting provision," they added.

"Furthermore, the phased delivery of the project will enable the continued day-to-day operation of the existing school throughout the construction period."

There would be no increase in the capacity of the site, which currently accommodates up to 420 pupils aged three to 11 years old, along with 33 nursery children.

But it would enhance the provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities via a dedicated 43-place unit.

According to the planning documents, developers aim to complete construction in time for the 2028/29 school year.

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