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Plans to relocate and rebuild Scalby School on part of the former Lower Graham School site have raised concerns about the future of sports clubs currently utilising the Lower Graham site.
The proposed site swap, approved in principle by North Yorkshire Council, is intended to facilitate the construction of a new, purpose-built, modern school to replace Scalby School, which has been partially decommissioned due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The DfE has committed to rebuilding Scalby School as part of the National School Rebuilding Programme.
The proposed site swap, approved in principle by North Yorkshire Council, would transfer part of the former Lower Graham School site to the Coast and Vale Learning Trust in exchange for the current Scalby School site once the new school is operational.
Local councillor John Ritchie has voiced concerns regarding the potential impact on the sports clubs that use the Lower Graham site. According to Ritchie, the site is already well used by local clubs.
Councillor Ritchie says the site is already used by "hundreds of families" and provides activities including a "football development school for 3 to 16 year olds" as well as netball leagues and badminton activities. He's concerned that these groups could be left without a home if the development proceeds and wants the groups involved to be consulted on the proposals.
In response to these concerns, Stuart Carlton, North Yorkshire Council's corporate director for children's services, acknowledged the worries of existing leaseholders and the work they have done.
Stuart Carlton offered assurances that conversations will occur in the future, depending on where the feasibility study concludes and said that there is no guarantee that the feasibility study will conclude that the Lower Graham site is right location for the new Scalby School.
The council will grant a 125-year lease at a peppercorn rent to the Coast and Vale Learning Trust, conditional upon the certainty that the new school will be delivered.
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