'Long overdue' primary school extensions and improvements given go-ahead by councillors

A primary school will be given extensions and improvements under plans given approval by councillors.

The Oxbridge Lane Primary School will be given three new extensions to provide a kitchen, two new classrooms, a staff welfare block, entrance and lobby area, refurbish the central building and eastern block, and plant a "forest". Part of the school, which was added later in its life and is now in poor condition, is to be knocked down.

Solar panels and air source heat pumps will also be installed. The works will create a new entrance to the nursery area and new access to the playground, as well as replacing a multi-use games area (MUGA).

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A nursery building will be removed and the nursery will be incorporated into the main school site, with an aim to make better use of outside space for play and PE lessons, and a caretaker's building and wall will be demolished. No objections were received to the plan.

The proposals for the school on Marlborough Road and Osbourne Road came before Stockton Council's planning committee on Wednesday (May 8). Planning officers had recommended approving it, with planning services manager Simon Grundy saying it was deemed acceptable.

Councillor Eileen Johnson said: "I was a school governor at Oxbridge for many years, at least 15. This school has long needed complete replacement but there's never been a site found.

"I would say anything that enhances the environment for the children at Oxbridge I would vote for."

Cllr Lynn Hall said: "I go back a bit further than Cllr Johnson. I first walked through Oxbridge School when I was five, having been a pupil there myself.

"Long overdue, really welcome. The particular bit I like is the fact that the playground is getting extended by the demolition of the caretaker's house. It's been far too small an area for a very long time for the children.

"It should have been replaced many many years ago. It's a very old building.

"It's quite interesting that the bit that's going to be demolished is the new bit. The original bit is still very solid and very strong.

"It has a wonderful ethos as a school. It is a very happy place, it's certainly my happy place, and I welcome this with open arms."

The committee voted unanimously to approve the plan.

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