Proposal to expand John Stainer Primary

Consultation has begun about plans to enlarge John Stainer Primary School, St Asaph Road, from one to two forms of entry.

Cllr Darren Johnson asked the Council about the consultation on behalf of some parents who were concerned about the way these plans were being communicated and received this response:

The consultation is being taken forward in line with DfE requirements which include consultation with all stakeholders. 

The proposal is currently at Stage 1 - Consultation on the proposal to enlarge the school from 1 to 2 forms of entry, on the basis of the need to provide additional spaces. A full consultation has been carried out which has allowed parents and other stakeholders to consider and express their views. The consultation included a meeting for parents at which views were recorded. Subsequently the enlargement proposal was discussed at two PTA meetings, and some parents also convened their own meeting. 

The range of views expressed in these meetings, and the written responses to the consultation, are set out in the report which will be considered by the Mayor at a Mayor and Cabinet meeting and will then be subject to scrutiny.

If the Mayor approves the proposal, work to develop the design and building aspect of the proposal will be subject to separate consultation through the planning process. The first informal stages of this process have been undertaken in partnership with a group of governors, including parent governors, and the issues raised by parents have been reported to governors. 

At the formal stage of a planning application, the Lewisham Planning Department will consider whether a public meeting is required to allow further views to be considered following the statutory 8 week period for responses to the planning application.