‘Amazing’ plans for Longton Lane Primary School, Rainhill, approved

The application for Longton Lane Community Primary School was passed, subject to conditions, by the planning committee at its meeting on Tuesday.

The proposals include the demolition of existing school buildings and the removal of hardstanding and car park areas – as well as the construction of a two-storey school building, a sheltered seating area covered by PV panels, new parking arrangements, provision of hard and soft landscaping and associated infrastructure, including roof top PV panels to the main building.

The proposals will facilitate a ‘modest increase’ in pupil capacity, with pupil numbers increasing from 261 to 312 and an uplift of three staff, from 33 currently, according to a report to the committee.

Cllr Anne McCormack shared her views during the meeting.

She said: “I’m pleased to see that the children of Rainhill will benefit from this new building.

“I’m also very pleased to see that the use of photovoltaic panels will give the children and their families a greater understanding of the work that this council is doing to move towards net zero and to show them what we’re doing to counter any effects of climate change.”

The existing building Picture: Ellis Williams (St Helens Council Planning Portal)

Cllr James Tasker said: “It’s very welcome to residents in Rainhill to see Longton Lane being rebuilt.

“It does look amazing when you look at the pictures on there, and you look at the facilities that are going to come to Rainhill with the playing pitches, rounders pitches, football pitches, and the courts.

“It’s also good to see the additional car parking spaces as well.”

A total of 32 car parking spaces will be provided – including two accessible bays and four electric vehicle charging points – an uplift of nine spaces compared to the existing provision.

A report to the committee said: “The new building will be constructed and handed over to the school for use prior to the demolition of the existing buildings to ensure continuity for the pupils, staff, and parents.”

“The new school building will be located to the north of the existing buildings. It will be predominately two storeys in height and will contain classrooms, staff facilities, a main hall, a kitchen, and associated storage.

“Adjacent to the school building to the west will be a new nature area and a covered outdoor seating area, the roof of which will be lined with PV panels.”