St Elphin's School logo

Tears at school that could close in June.....



"Published on Thursday 4 March 2004 12:09

DEJECTED students from cash-strapped St Elphin's School were in floods of tears after councillors blocked a proposed rescue package.

Bosses at the Darley Dale school have described the decision as a huge shock and a fatal blow to the school's chances of survival.

Derbyshire Dales District Council voted unanimously to reject the plan for residential development in the school grounds because it contravened the local plan.

It was felt that houses on two tracts of land along the school's A6 frontage would destroy important green space protected in the plan.

Martin Hughes, spokesman for the school, said: "It was not the council's fault the school found itself in this situation but it was in their hands to allow us to save the school – they have dealt us a fatal blow.

"There was a large turnout from the school at Monday's meeting and many pupils and parents were crying their eyes out afterwards.

"We knew all along that the proposals contravened the local plan but we thought the commercial, social and economic benefits of keeping the school open might outweigh the local plan. It's a terrible shame and a huge loss to the district."

St Elphin's now looks set to close in June because it was relying on the housing scheme to pay off a 3 million debt.

A total of 175 students will have to relocate and 75 staff will be seeking new jobs when the school closes.

District council chairman Geoff Stevens said: "This must be one of the most difficult decisions we have had to make. I can see very clearly both sides of the argument.

"As a councillor who was involved in developing local policies I can't overlook these policies lightly – the green part between Darley Dale and Matlock is very important."

District council leader Lewis Rose said: "We are being asked to pay a higher price and to take too many risks in this application. We are being asked to approve houses that might last forever for a school which may not last long."

The district council made its decision after receiving a strong recomendation from planners that the application should be turned down.

The Darley Residents Action Group, representing over 100 local households, had also opposed the housing development."

 

Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury

Back to top
Back to Press Cuttings