Planning permission granted for new primary and nursery school in Shottery

The formal planning application, submitted by Knights on behalf of Warwickshire County Council, outlines proposals to relocate the existing school to a larger site to the west of Shottery. 

The development will support the area’s significant housing growth, including up to 800 new homes planned nearby, while delivering enhanced learning facilities for pupils and staff.

Councillor Wayne Briggs, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Education, said: "This is an exciting milestone for Shottery St Andrew’s and the community it serves. Securing a larger site gives us the chance to create a school that offers children the space and opportunities they need to flourish, while providing staff with the high-quality facilities that support excellent teaching.

"The new building will deliver modern learning environments and much-improved outdoor areas that go beyond what the current site can offer.

"With the area continuing to grow, this investment ensures we can meet future demand and deliver a school that families can feel confident in and proud of."

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard was appointed under the Perfect Circle joint venture and procured through the SCAPE Consultancy Framework to provide architecture, structural and civil engineering, geo-environmental, project management, interior design and building and construction safety services.

The firm is working closely with Gleeds, Anderson Green, Influence Landscape Planning and Design and main contractor Speller Metcalfe to deliver the scheme.

The approved plans include a new two-form entry primary school accommodating up to 420 pupils, alongside a 36-place nursery. 

The school will provide resourced provision for up to eight primary-aged pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who are diagnosed with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs or communication and interaction (C&I) needs.

The relocation will enable access to improved educational facilities that are not currently available at the existing site, including a dedicated hall and dining space, specialist group and intervention rooms, and a full-sized playing field and habitat areas.

The scheme also includes a staff car park with 41 spaces, comprising four disabled user bays and five electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces, aligning with sustainability and accessibility objectives.

Brian Fisher, associate director of architecture at Pick Everard, commented: “This is a really positive moment for Shottery St Andrew’s and the wider community. Being able to move to a larger location means we can design a school that gives children more space to learn, play and thrive. It’s a privilege to be supporting the project and creating a place the whole community can be proud of.” 

Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe said: “We’re pleased to see planning permission has been granted to relocate and expand Shottery St Andrew’s C of E Primary School. This is an exciting milestone for the community, giving the entire project team a real opportunity to develop plans that put pupils, staff, and local residents at the heart of the new site. We look forward to progressing this important project with Warwickshire County Council.”

With planning consent now secured, the project team will progress to the next stage of design and delivery, working closely with Warwickshire County Council to create a modern and inclusive school that meets the needs of its existing and future pupils.