On behalf of all the sponsors we are disappointed with the decision by Bromley Council to turn down the planning application for the proposed SHaW Futures Academy. However, we remain committed to delivering this much-needed school for the young people who will be future skilled workers in our Health and Wellbeing services.
This Borough, like many others, is facing a crisis with a growing demand for secondary school places. Current forecasts from the Greater London Authority estimate that more than 3,600 additional secondary places are needed in Bromley by 2024/2025 to accommodate an increasing number of students.
We strongly believe that the SHaW Futures Academy is an innovative urban school model. It will open up many career opportunities for young people in the region, whilst securing a pipeline of skilled employees in these expanding industries for the coming years.
Plans for the unique building include 11 science laboratories and five biomedical facilities. The shared specialist facilities include a multi-functional hall, a music centre, recording studio and food technology facility. In addition, there will be areas for local community use including a café space on the Upper Ground level, plus out-of-school hours space, as well as the art room.
London South East Academies Trust, the ESFA and our architects will now press ahead with an appeal, in order for the decision to be reviewed via the appropriate routes.
We are pleased that the planners, as the professionals in this process, gave a positive recommendation. We look forward to continuing to work with the officers and members to resolve the issues that have been raised.
We also welcome the fact that the elected members recognise their statutory duty to provide school places and are committed to supporting them in delivering this duty to the children of Bromley.
This gives us a platform for an ongoing dialogue and we are confident a solution can be found to ensure that this much needed vocational school can be built.
CEO of London South East Academies Trust, Sam Parrett OBE
Although the planning application for the SHaW Futures Academy was not supported by Bromley Council, there was strong evidence at the planning meeting of support for the education vision, including the involvement of Canterbury Christ Church University and employers in the science, health and wellbeing sectors.
Residents and councillors who opposed the application commended the vision, recognising that the school is needed and that it will make an exciting addition to Bromley’s education portfolio.
I support London South East Academy Trust continuing to work with all interested parties to realise the vision we have for Bromley’s young people.
Dean of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, John Moss
For more information please click one of our useful links below:
- Full consultation proposal
- Consultation leaflet – a summary of our proposalConsultation leaflet – a summary of our proposal