Burgess Hill schools merger issues raised by local councillor

Liberal Democrat Cllr Sue Knight has welcomed proposals to merge our two Mid Sussex special needs schools. However she has raised concerns that a number of questions need answering relating to the possible merger, which would see the two schools relocated onto the site of Oakmeeds Community Comprehensive in Burgess Hill.

The proposal is to relocate current schools at Newick House (Burgess Hill) and Court Meadow (Cuckfield) and combine them in a new purpose built facility. Both are special needs schools, which teach the most vulnerable children with disabilities in our community. The existing buildings that house these schools are becoming dilapidated and are not a good environment for children to learn in.

For many years West Sussex has been trying to find the money to build a new special needs school in Mid Sussex. Government funding is now available to build the first phase of this project. Hence consultation has begun about the possibility of merging the two schools.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sue Knight has welcomed the opportunity to use new funding, but believes the need for improved school facilities should be separated from the potential problems that relocating to the Oakmeeds site could have. Writing in a letter to local residents Sue Knight said "If the proposal to develop on Oakmeeds Campus were to go forward then the normal planning arrangements for a new school would be followed. I have already made County Council Officers and the Cabinet member aware of our concerns regarding the road system and access to the Oakmeeds Campus".

Sue Knight continued that "I have asked Council Officers to arrange a consultation meeting for local residents during the next few weeks and they have agreed to do so. At this meeting members of the project team will explain the possibilities for the location of the new Special School on the Oakmeeds campus. You will have the opportunity to explain to them your views and how any proposed development might affect you. The County Council Officers have assured me that they will write to you with details at least two weeks before the meeting."

Cllr Sue Knight supports all party moves by Burgess Hill Town Council expressing cautious support for the merger but raising issues of car parking, traffic volumes and access to the Oakmeeds Community School site which need to be addressed if the proposal were to be approved.

Councillors were also concerned that school provision for Burgess Hill should be future proofed to ensure that any future planning for education facilities in the town takes account of likely future housing growth, which could mean additional primary schools and a new secondary school. This particularly involves seeking adequate provision of land from developers when new housing applications are agreed, to allow for future primary and secondary education in the town.