1,200-pupil Derbyshire school gets go-ahead

Planning permission has been granted for a major new school in Derbyshire.

Plans for Glossopdale Community College in Hadfield have been given the green light after being submitted by DPP Planning.

Built by Beeston-based Henry Brothers (Midlands), the replacement secondary school will cater for 1,000 students aged 11-16 and 200 6th formers. The site also has the potential to expand in the future if required.

“The main challenges surrounding the project have been delivering a planning permission on time in order to allow the school to open in Spring 2018,” says Michelle Bath, director at DPP.

“The proposed building’s location in open countryside, its proximity to a main railway line, access and ecology issues were also specific constraints that we had to overcome. Resolving these avoided the need for pre-commencement conditions which would have delayed the programme.”

The plans also include the creation of new, improved sports facilities, which will be available for use by members of the local community, alongside staff and students.

Construction is due to start in Summer 2016.