Decision details

To consider the petition to save the small separately fenced area at the far end of the Pells School site on Landport, Lewes for continued use as a forest school, the area to be given into the care and ownership of the Landport Community Hub charity, or other suitable arrangements made by agreement with the lead petitioners to achieve the same end, that this tiny percentage of the site be kept for local children to have Forest School opportunities.

17.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.

17.2     Ms Debbie Twitchen, Chair of the Landport Residents’ Association and Trustee of Pippa’s Group, the Lead Petitioner, spoke in support of the petition’s aims.

DECISIONS

17.3     The Lead Member RESOLVED to advise the petitioners that (1) the petition is acknowledged;

(2) the Chief Operating Officer is authorised to continue with the marketing of the site; and

(3) any consideration of the local need for Forest School related activities be considered as part of future planning and development in the local area.

Reasons

17.4     The former Pells School site is currently being marketed by the Diocese of Chichester on behalf of the Diocese and the County Council.   Any development proposals that might arise on the sit e will be required to provide of open space provision, and the potential to include and protect the small parcel of fenced land to support any education offer should be taken into account at the point of considering potential development of the whole site.