A MAJOR revamp of a primary school in the ward of the cabinet member for education was called into question by a councillor. Conwy Council county councillor Jo Nuttall wanted to know “for clarity” why funds were earmarked for Ysgol Deganwy when schools across the the county were being asked to slash their budgets.
Cllr Nuttall raised the issue, after the council submitted a planning application for major works at the school, which was approved this week at Bodlondeb. Cllr Nuttall contrasted the funding boost with the decision to impose a 5% cut to all schools which have led to staff redundancies and headmasters making loan applications to the council.
Cllr Nuttall said: “Just for clarity, this school is in the ward of the cabinet member for education. I just want to clarify and make absolutely clear: why has this school been chosen? Does the money not need spreading across the board.”
The cabinet member for education Cllr Julie Fallon, who is away, was unavailable for comment.
Conwy’s planning solicitor Matt Georgiou responded: “I don’t know the answer anyway, but even if I did, it’s not a material planning consideration.
“This is about whether or not the proposal is acceptable in planning terms. Any kind of questions of that nature really need to be taken outside of this committee.”
The planning committee chairman Cllr Austin Roberts then advised Cllr Nuttall to take the matter to Conwy’s director of education Dr Lowri Brown.
Conwy was granted permission for two new extensions at Ysgol Deganwy, providing a new dining hall, performance space, and classrooms. One modular classroom and one mobile classroom will be demolished.
The plans will also see buildings being refurbished and the reorganisation of existing classrooms. The school will also be modernised and made more environmentally friendly to meet net-zero carbon targets.
A new netball court will be built, together with a covered outdoor learning space whilst there will be improvements to vehicle and pedestrian access and parking.
Cllr Nigel Smith proposed councillors backed the officers’ recommendation to grant permission for the plans. “This is welcoming investment into Deganwy school, and I’m sure the children will absolutely love it when it’s completed,” he said.
Cllr Alan Hunter seconded Cllr Smith’s proposal. Cllr Chris Cater also welcomed the plans and said the school had had terrible trouble with the original roof and problems with damp.
Cllr Jo Nuttall and chairman Cllr Austin Roberts abstained from voting. After the meeting, counil leader Cllr Charlie McCoubrey said: “As per the decision taken at cabinet on 13 December 2022, this planning application is part of the agreed tendering process to establish an accurate build cost,” he said.
“This will then need to be brought back through the democratic process for members to consider alongside other potential projects.”
