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Archive => Archived Boards => Local Issues => Topic started by: sooty2 on November 22, 2011, 07:05:27 PM

Title: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: sooty2 on November 22, 2011, 07:05:27 PM: Heard some interesting and disturbing information today about the sale of Chadwick st car park.I have heard it will be marketed in January 2012.This will be discussed tomorrow evening at the Marple area committee meeting 6pm in the library.I am quite shocked by what I have been told, so I will keep it to myself.But,there is usually no smoke without fire as has often been the case with things reported on on this website.Hope I don't get slaughtered like Miss Marple! ;)See you all there?
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: admin on November 22, 2011, 07:14:06 PM: Here is the report that will be discussed at the Area Committee tomorrow:

MARPLE AREA COMMITTEE Meeting 23 November 2011
CHADWICK STREET, MARPLE

Joint Report of the Service Directors (Place Development ) and (Legal and Democratic Services)

1.0 Purpose of the Report

1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform members of the Council’s intention to market the Chadwick Street site (shown on the attached plan) for suitable District Centre uses.

2.0 Background

2.1 The Council owns the freehold to the Chadwick Street site, which falls within the boundary of Marple District Centre. The site is used as a Council pay and display car park and also incorporates the Royal Mail Delivery Office for Marple. The Royal Mail has a 99 year lease from the Council (extant since 1969) to occupy the land shown shaded on the attached plan.

2.2 It is proposed to bring the Chadwick Street site forward for development in accordance with PPS4 (Planning for Sustainable Growth) which advises Councils to identify sites for larger format developments within existing centres that are suitable for development or changes in use (PPS 4 ref EC4.1). Marketing the site for uses appropriate to the District Centre, would also meet the advice contained in the PPS of making the most efficient and effective use of land (PPS4 ref EC2.1).

2.3 The Chadwick Street site has been assessed in the sustainability appraisal of sites put forward through the Allocations DPD process (Issues and Options Paper site ref MAR 129). Based on this process, a variety of uses could be acceptable in principle in this District Centre location. These are:

A1 use (Supermarket or Other A1 uses)
A2 use (Financial and Professional Services)
A3 use (Restaurants and Cafes)
A4 use (Drinking Establishments)
A5 use (Hot Food Take Away); drive-through restaurant
B1 use (including offices)
D1 use (Non-Residential Institutions)
D2 use (Assembly and Leisure)
C1 use (Hotels) – where small scale visitor accommodation
C2 use (Residential Institutions)
C3 use (Dwelling Houses)
Some types of Sui Generis uses e.g. Night-Club, Casino

2.4 The marketing of the Chadwick Street site would not be restricted to specific uses but be used to ascertain interest for a wide range of uses and from a wide variety of operators. However retail (A1) use would be preferred for the site, Agenda Item 8. based on its location within the Marple District Centre boundary and the potential it would offer if it were to be included within the Primary Shopping Area suggested in the Allocations DPD Issues and Options Paper (it is currently excluded). Marketing the Chadwick Street site for uses including A1 retail, would strengthen the case for the site’s inclusion within the Primary Shopping Area (see PPS4 ref EC4.1).

2.5 In qualitative terms, the ability of the site to accommodate a larger format development in the Centre would help contribute to the range and quality of Marple’s retail offer. In addition, bringing in an additional retail operator would help promote Marple as a competitive District Centre, and enhance consumer choice. This would also help generate linked trip opportunities within the District Centre which would help safeguard its vitality and viability.

2.6 In quantitative terms support for an A1 retail use at Chadwick Street is provided by the Stockport Shopping and Leisure Study (Drivers Jonas 2009). This generally encourages convenience sector retailing and small format supermarkets in District Centres (para12.35) and suggests Marple could capitalise on the growth of organic retailing (para12.37).

2.7 It is believed that an A1 retail use for the Chadwick Street site would also maximise the potential land value available.

2.8 Any redevelopment of the site will seek to retain the existing level of parking provision to serve the District Centre.

2.9 Royal Mail currently have no plans to rationalise or reorganise its network in the area, and ,as such, have no plans to relocate or make surplus its current operation at Chadwick Street. However, Royal Mail do not wish to obstruct the regeneration of Marple District Centre, and if any redevelopment proposals do come forward for the land at Chadwick Street, the relocation of the Royal Mail facility to a new site in the vicinity will be required. Negotiations will need to be undertaken in this regard.

3.0 Timetable for Marketing

3.1 It is proposed the Chadwick Street site is marketed in January 2012. A report will be bought back to this Area Committee following the marketing process.

4.0 Recommendation

4.1 Members are asked to note the contents of this report. For further details regarding this report please contact Ian Keyte on 0161 495 6093 or David Johnston on 0161 474 4551.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Miss Marple on November 22, 2011, 08:16:00 PM: Oh you won't be slaughtered if you go to the Are Committee Meeting Mrs O ! Because all the usual armchair socialists will sit at home wait for information to be spoon fed to them via this sight and then they will slaughter you ! ;). And yes Mrs O it will be a very interesting meeting which will put our councillors on the spot . There is lots of information coming to light we need to all keep our eye on the ball :-\
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Blossom on November 22, 2011, 08:43:33 PM: So where will people park to shop in Marple.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: admin on November 22, 2011, 09:23:35 PM: Quote from: Blossom on November 22, 2011, 08:43:33 PM
So where will people park to shop in Marple.

2.8 Any redevelopment of the site will seek to retain the existing level of parking provision to serve the District Centre.

That's what it says in the report. Maybe underground or roof parking would be possible?
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Blossom on November 22, 2011, 09:43:38 PM: Quote from: admin on November 22, 2011, 09:23:35 PM
Quote from: Blossom on November 22, 2011, 08:43:33 PM
So where will people park to shop in Marple.

2.8 Any redevelopment of the site will seek to retain the existing level of parking provision to serve the District Centre.

That's what it says in the report. Maybe underground or roof parking would be possible?

Thank you. Sorry I missed that point when reading the report.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Duke Fame on November 22, 2011, 10:23:54 PM: For those opposed to the Hibbert lane development, it's all good
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Belly on November 22, 2011, 10:59:48 PM: Quote from: Duke Fame on November 22, 2011, 10:23:54 PM
For those opposed to the Hibbert lane development, it's all good

It is indeed - unless the Council don't find a buyer, whereupon it's lack of ability to sell could be used as an argument for Hibbert Lane in that the key alternative site isn't practical. It will be interesting to see how it goes. Lets not pre-judge.

I'll tell you what though - undercroft, underground or even roof parking isn't cheap and what with the levels changes across the site to contend with, one imagines that the Council won't make much money through its sale. Build costs will be at the forefront of any developers mind. Traffic and deliveries will be fun too!
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Miss Marple on November 22, 2011, 11:26:08 PM: Let's hope that the Caver theatre is safe !
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: sgk on November 23, 2011, 07:24:55 AM: Quote from: Duke Fame on November 22, 2011, 10:23:54 PM
For those opposed to the Hibbert lane development, it's all good

Not entirely. Once Chadwick Street has been taken, the Hibbert Lane suddenly passes the 'sequential planning criteria' in that Hibbert is the nearest plot available for development.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Dave on November 23, 2011, 09:27:35 AM: Quote from: sgk on November 23, 2011, 07:24:55 AM
Quote from: Duke Fame on November 22, 2011, 10:23:54 PM
For those opposed to the Hibbert lane development, it's all good

Not entirely. Once Chadwick Street has been taken, the Hibbert Lane suddenly passes the 'sequential planning criteria' in that Hibbert is the nearest plot available for development.

Surely it depends on what gets built at Chadwick Street? If it's a supermarket, then the argument that we also need one in Hibbert Lane will be much weaker.

But if it's one of the other listed possible uses (nightclub or casino, anyone? :o ), then it won't make any difference, and sgk's sequential planning thingy would kick in?
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Tricky on November 23, 2011, 10:03:32 AM: Is it possible that someone (tesco, asda, holding company.. even camsfc :o) could buy the land and simply keep it as a car park?

Enabling the Hibbert Lane site to then be even more desirable to retail developers.

(this made sense in my head.. not sure it reads right though!)
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Dave on November 23, 2011, 11:33:03 AM: The college would not be allowed to do that, but as we know, acquiring land and property and then just sitting on it is the sort of thing that big supermarket chains do all the time......
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Dave on November 23, 2011, 11:39:53 AM: Quote from: Mrs O on November 22, 2011, 07:05:27 PM
Heard some interesting and disturbing information today about the sale of Chadwick st car park......I am quite shocked by what I have been told,

Why is this disturbing? What is there to be shocked about?

Quote from: Miss Marple on November 22, 2011, 08:16:00 PM
Oh you won't be slaughtered if you go to the Are Committee Meeting Mrs O ! Because all the usual armchair socialists will sit at home wait for information to be spoon fed to them via this sight and then they will slaughter you ! ;).

Would those be the same socialists who twenty years ago opposed the Tory bill which gave away local authority land to the newly independent colleges? Surely not.........

Quote from: Miss Marple on November 22, 2011, 08:16:00 PM
And yes Mrs O it will be a very interesting meeting which will put our councillors on the spot . There is lots of information coming to light we need to all keep our eye on the ball :-\

In what way will it put councillors on the spot?
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: alan@marple on November 23, 2011, 01:09:04 PM: Well if the land is to be developed I have no doubt that the elected representatives will support the plan, in your interestsirrespective of what you the community would like.

I feel sorry for the residents of those lovely cottages, they must be very concerned about how it might impede their view and the value of their homes
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Victor M on November 23, 2011, 01:36:35 PM: With regard to the sequence test the Hibbert Lane site will be applying for planning permission when the Chadwick Street land is being marketed and hence the application for a Supermarket at Hibbert lane will fail the sequential test as there will be land within the District Shopping Centre that is available for development.
What is worrying is that the College and it's consultants were warned of this by the Council and chose to ignore it. Another example of mis management by CAMSFC Governing Body.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Dave on November 23, 2011, 01:54:07 PM: Quote from: Victor M on November 23, 2011, 01:36:35 PM
What is worrying is that the College and it's consultants were warned of this by the Council and chose to ignore it.

That's an interesting nugget, Victor! When were they warned? And how do you know?
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: amazon on November 23, 2011, 02:21:10 PM: Dear Members,

Re: Local Development Framework (LDF) Allocations DPD Consultation

As part of the new Stockport MBC planning policy the Unitary Development Plan is being superseded with new plans which will be used to assess all planning applications for the next fifteen years.

The new plans are known as the Local Development Framework which will have two legally binding planning documents. The first is the Core Strategy which was adopted earlier this year and provides the borough wide strategy for planning.

The second is the Allocations DPD which includes 18 specific sites in Marple. The Allocations DPD is now being consulted on to determine which uses each site could potentially be developed for over the next 15 years. There is no doubt that developers will be watching with keen interest to see what uses are allocated to these sites.

This is your opportunity to have a say in how Marple should be developed over the next fifteen years. The actual documents are complex and on-line response is lengthy and complicated so we have condensed the information into the attached questionnaire to help you to respond to the consultation. Six sites are included which we consider are vitally important to Marple and which need a big response in order to protect them against inappropriate development in the years to come.

If your prefer to respond via the councils on-line consultation portal or you wish to look at all the Marple sites you can do so on SMBC's website www.stockport.gov.uk/allocationsdpd . See guidance note attached.

You can either complete the attached questionnaire and send it to the Stockport Council Planning Policy Department at this email address planning.policy@stockport.gov.uk or print, complete and send the questionnaire to them by post at the address on the top of the questionnaire. Both methods are acceptable so long as you fill in your name and contact details at the top of the questionnaire.

The closing date is Monday 28th November 2011. It is very important that the Council receives our responses and that we send clear messages about what is acceptable and what is not acceptable for Marple in terms of development. Although the civic society is sending a detailed response to the consultation it is important that the council receives individuals responses also as numbers really do matter with this consultation.

If you have any questions or need help to complete the form please email or phone me. Tel: 0161 427 1379 or mobile: 07793 214 591

Kind regards

Gillian Postill
Vice Chair

PS The future of Chadwick Street car park will be under discussion at tonight's Area Committee Meeting in Marple Library starting at 6-00pm - hope to see you there.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Victor M on November 23, 2011, 02:32:46 PM: Quote
That's an interesting nugget, Victor! When were they warned? And how do you know?
If you look at the FOI requests there is a response from the Council showing an email from the Council to the College where most of the interesting bits are blanked out but not the ref to Chadwick Street car park!
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Dave on November 23, 2011, 03:16:05 PM: Thanks Victor, that's an interesting link. Although as the email is dated 8 July 2011, over a year after the College decided to dispose of Hibbert Lane to a supermarket, it's a bit unreasonable to accuse the college of mis-management. (Is it mis-management not to own a crystal ball......?)
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Miss Marple on November 23, 2011, 03:50:04 PM: The issue of Chadwick St has not just come to light it will have been on the cards for some considerable time. Whilst I have no sympathy towards CAMSFC I do although agree with the two Governours who stood down that CAMSFC have received very poor advice from their advisors, at a considerable cost to the colleges bank balance
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Victor M on November 23, 2011, 04:40:36 PM: Dave, are you accusing the college of not telling the truth when they wrote to the Stockport Express this July (signed by the chair of governors) stating that no decision had yet been made over the disposal of the land!
Shame on you
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Dave on November 23, 2011, 05:17:57 PM: Well put it like this, Victor: the much pored-over minutes of the college Estates Committee of 17 June 2010 (http://www.camsfc.ac.uk/assets/file/Govenors/Minutes%20of%20meetings/Estates%2017_06_10m%20amended%20F&G%20010 include the agreement to 'Continue discussions with the Local Authority about the possibility of moving to a single site.

I think we can reasonably assume from that that the college had by that time worked out that they might be able to afford to move to a single site - i.e. they must have had from their consultants some valuations of the Hibbert Lane site which showed that if it could be disposed of for retail use, it would be worth enough.

I haven't seen any letter from the College to the Stockport Express so I can't comment on its truthfulness.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: rsh on November 23, 2011, 06:27:24 PM: Quote from: alan@romiley on November 23, 2011, 01:09:04 PM
I feel sorry for the residents of those lovely cottages, they must be very concerned about how it might impede their view and the value of their homes

Yes, if developed badly this could be a real blot. Perhaps given the slope of the car park it would be possible to dig out the entire site so that, for example, retail units could be built at the level of Trinity Street, with a rooftop car park then constructed roughly level with Chadwick Street. Although the cost would be enormous, surely.

In fact, why did the council just recently redevelop the car park if they now want to sell it on to other uses?
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Belly on November 23, 2011, 07:46:42 PM: Quote from: Victor M on November 23, 2011, 01:36:35 PM
With regard to the sequence test the Hibbert Lane site will be applying for planning permission when the Chadwick Street land is being marketed and hence the application for a Supermarket at Hibbert lane will fail the sequential test as there will be land within the District Shopping Centre that is available for development.
What is worrying is that the College and it's consultants were warned of this by the Council and chose to ignore it. Another example of mis management by CAMSFC Governing Body.

Your point regarding the sequential test is true in the short term - a cynic might suspect a little bit of political influence here to suddenly seek to sell the Chadwick Street asset.

If it is an attempt to try to spike Hibbert Lane, it could backfire in the longer term though - for example if the site was to be bought by a non supermarket user or if the site was to fail to sell because economically no-one could get the site to stack up for development. In either case, it could then easily be argued that the one remaining site available for supermarket retail in Marple had either gone or was a non-starter and thus the sequential argument folds.

I have some doubts as to the Chadwick Street site as a major developed site anway - as others have noted it doesn't lend itself easily to development and could be a nightmare / extremely expensive to deliver. Furthermore, most of the traffic arguments hurled at Hibbert Lane are the same, if not worse, for Chadwick Street.

I wonder if those houses nearby to Chadwick Street with their "No" posters in the window, ever realised that the MIA campaign may could potentially land them with a supermarket in their own back yard ???
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Miss Marple on November 24, 2011, 06:18:29 PM: Chadwick Street has been on the cards for sometime long before Ms Cassidy's secret was leaked out. What is interesting is that since MIA was formed we are getting to know about issues which before the days of MIA were done deals behind closed doors. For all those who were present at last nights Area Committee Meeting you will know exactly what I am talking about. It was a very uncomfortable meeting for the councillors who had to admit that in one recent major development NO consultation was undertaken with the public even though it was a requirement Not anymore ;)

Just a question to Belly Tricky and Dave why are you all so negative towards MIA who are constantly bringing information to this forum ?
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Belly on November 24, 2011, 07:10:35 PM: Quote from: Miss Marple on November 24, 2011, 06:18:29 PM
Chadwick Street has been on the cards for sometime long before Ms Cassidy's secret was leaked out. What is interesting is that since MIA was formed we are getting to know about issues which before the days of MIA were done deals behind closed doors. For all those who were present at last nights Area Committee Meeting you will know exactly what I am talking about. It was a very uncomfortable meeting for the councillors who had to admit that in one recent major development NO consultation was undertaken with the public even though it was a requirement Not anymore ;)

Just a question to Belly Tricky and Dave why are you all so negative towards MIA who are constantly bringing information to this forum ?

I'm not negative to MIA at all - but I do take issue with some of the sensationalising of some of the information brought forward at times. I'm all for information, just sometimes I don't like the 'spin' with which it is presented by some.

My comment below was simply an observation that there are many houses around the Chadwick St site with no posters in windows. It may well be that a side effect of the campaign (which I fully accept was stimulated by the supermarket rumblings at CAMSFC) may now result in a hefty re-development of their own back yard. If I understand their position correctly, MIA tacitly support the principles of the Chadwick St site for such re-development.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Dave on November 24, 2011, 07:23:08 PM: If I seem to be 'negative' towards MIA, it's simply because the organisation seems to be doing everything it can to stop much-needed improvements to educational facilities in Marple. Sometimes I think MIA should be renamed MAE: Marple Against Education. :-(
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Miss Marple on November 24, 2011, 08:34:30 PM: Well I am a founder member of MIA and I can tell you that the group was formed to oppose the sale of a local education facility to a major supermarket and that remains our aim. So Dave I feel you need to reflect on your accusation about MIA being against education when you support the loss of an educational site in a Town with a growing population, it's laughable for you to say you are a supporter of education!

The issue of Chadwick St has, we have been informed been on the cards for years. The sorting office does not have to move they have quite a lengthy lease still on the property and if the councillors at the meeting last night are to be believed the supermarket on Chadwick St would only be the size of the sorting office if they were to move out Residents of Chadwick st were in attendance at last nights meeting and MIA know several of them well and they heard first hand and had sight of plans of the proposed site if it was to go ahead.
It's a pity you two chaps could not attend last nights meeting because all your questions would have been answered
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Dave on November 24, 2011, 11:13:42 PM: Miss M, I've heard some dodgy arguments in my time, but the notion that getting rid of a 1930s school building in order to provide a decent 21st century college is 'the loss of an educational site in a Town with a growing population' is frankly bizarre!
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: admin on November 25, 2011, 06:22:53 AM: Quote from: Miss Marple on November 24, 2011, 06:18:29 PM
It was a very uncomfortable meeting for the councillors who had to admit that in one recent major development NO consultation was undertaken with the public even though it was a requirement

What was that major development?
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Tricky on November 25, 2011, 10:33:57 AM: Quote from: Belly on November 24, 2011, 07:10:35 PM
Quote from: Miss Marple on November 24, 2011, 06:18:29 PM
Chadwick Street has been on the cards for sometime long before Ms Cassidy's secret was leaked out. What is interesting is that since MIA was formed we are getting to know about issues which before the days
Just a question to Belly Tricky and Dave why are you all so negative towards MIA who are constantly bringing information to this forum ?

I'm not negative to MIA at all - but I do take issue with some of the sensationalising of some of the information brought forward at times. I'm all for information, just sometimes I don't like the 'spin' with which it is presented by some.

This.. absolutely this.

Miss Marple, even in the post above, you call it "Ms Cassidy's secret"

I don't like the way you make everything so personal, yet you constantly say "don't shoot the messenger" if and when your comments are questioned.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Miss Marple on November 25, 2011, 03:47:41 PM: Quote from: admin on November 25, 2011, 06:22:53 AM
Quote from: Miss Marple on November 24, 2011, 06:18:29 PM
It was a very uncomfortable meeting for the councillors who had to admit that in one recent major development NO consultation was undertaken with the public even though it was a requirement

What was that major development?
The Cycle Track / Bridle Way apparently it should have had public consultation but the councillors had to admit that there was no public consultation even though it was a requirement
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Miss Marple on November 25, 2011, 03:50:26 PM: Irrelevant post overwritten. Admin
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Miss Marple on November 25, 2011, 07:49:31 PM: Quote from: tricky on November 25, 2011, 10:33:57 AM
Quote from: Belly on November 24, 2011, 07:10:35 PM
Quote from: Miss Marple on November 24, 2011, 06:18:29 PM
Chadwick Street has been on the cards for sometime long before Ms Cassidy's secret was leaked out. What is interesting is that since MIA was formed we are getting to know about issues which before the days
Just a question to Belly Tricky and Dave why are you all so negative towards MIA who are constantly bringing information to this forum ?

I'm not negative to MIA at all - but I do take issue with some of the sensationalising of some of the information brought forward at times. I'm all for information, just sometimes I don't like the 'spin' with which it is presented by some.

This.. absolutely this.

Miss Marple, even in the post above, you call it "Ms Cassidy's secret"

I don't like the way you make everything so personal, yet you constantly say "don't shoot the messenger" if and when your comments are questioned.
That's not a reason to dislike MIA that's a personal attack on myself. It's a flipping good job that I don't take things personally Lol ;)
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: My login is Henrietta on November 29, 2011, 12:02:42 AM: Quote from: Belly on November 22, 2011, 10:59:48 PM
Quote from: Duke Fame on November 22, 2011, 10:23:54 PM
For those opposed to the Hibbert lane development, it's all good

It is indeed - unless the Council don't find a buyer, whereupon it's lack of ability to sell could be used as an argument for Hibbert Lane in that the key alternative site isn't practical. It will be interesting to see how it goes. Lets not pre-judge.

I'll tell you what though - undercroft, underground or even roof parking isn't cheap and what with the levels changes across the site to contend with, one imagines that the Council won't make much money through its sale. Build costs will be at the forefront of any developers mind. Traffic and deliveries will be fun too!
And what will they demolish to improve access? Housing? The Carver? Shops on Stockport Road?
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: Dave on November 29, 2011, 06:01:48 AM: The obvious access would be from Staockport Road, so that deliveries and shoppers don't have to negotiate Church Lane. The buildings by the bus stop are of no architectural or historic interest, and the businesses can easily be relocated nearby.
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: My login is Henrietta on December 07, 2011, 07:22:18 PM: Quote from: Dave on November 24, 2011, 11:13:42 PM
Miss M, I've heard some dodgy arguments in my time, but the notion that getting rid of a 1930s school building in order to provide a decent 21st century college is 'the loss of an educational site in a Town with a growing population' is frankly bizarre!
After a lifetime in teaching all over the country in 1930s (and older) buildings and any number of jerry-built 1960s, '70s & '80s schools I know which I'd rather work in - especially after two terms on supply in a 1970s building where I had to endure conditions that would have been illegal in any other trade or profession. The Shops, Offices and Factories Act applied to the school secretary's office but not to the classroom conditions! At least the old buildings were usually warm with efficient, if expensive, heating systems.

(Obvously, I'm not speaking of The Willows/Camsfc because I never worked there.)
Title: Re: Sale of Chadwick St car park
Post by: richard on December 07, 2011, 09:21:30 PM: I think we are all too hung up on proposed sites that, have as yet, no planning permission. I think that Chadwick street as an alternative site is a definite no go as access is a major problem and the.cost of implementation will be prohibitive