Menu
22/07/2010
Planners 'Speed Up' Special School Scheme
There has been praise this week for an initiative from the Planning Service that has allowed the development of a new school to really accelerate.
Robin Newton, East Belfast DUP MLA, (pictured) welcomed good news regarding Tor Bank Special School and its new build programme.
Robin Newton said the Planning Service had turned around plans for Tor Bank Special schools in the Dundonald area in just four and a half months due to the Pre Applications Discussions (PADs) process.
The PADs process meant that Planning Service staff ensured that dialogue with applicants/agents and consultees began before the applications were submitted. This continued throughout the planning process to resolve any issues and avoid unnecessary delays.
This means that work can commence before the new school term on a replacement school for Tor Bank Special School.
Tor Bank Special School currently has 124 pupils with severe learning difficulties and the existing site is no longer adequate in terms of classroom or playground size.
This site is on a steep slope, which presents additional problems for children with mobility problems.
As the current site cannot be expanded, the planning application was for a larger school at a corner site at the junction of Dunlady Road and the Upper Newtownards Road.
Commenting on the approval the Junior Minister Robin Newton said: "I welcome the fact that Planning Service has managed to bring this clearly critical planning application to decision so quickly by working effectively with all those involved."
(GK/BMcC)
Robin Newton, East Belfast DUP MLA, (pictured) welcomed good news regarding Tor Bank Special School and its new build programme.
Robin Newton said the Planning Service had turned around plans for Tor Bank Special schools in the Dundonald area in just four and a half months due to the Pre Applications Discussions (PADs) process.
The PADs process meant that Planning Service staff ensured that dialogue with applicants/agents and consultees began before the applications were submitted. This continued throughout the planning process to resolve any issues and avoid unnecessary delays.
This means that work can commence before the new school term on a replacement school for Tor Bank Special School.
Tor Bank Special School currently has 124 pupils with severe learning difficulties and the existing site is no longer adequate in terms of classroom or playground size.
This site is on a steep slope, which presents additional problems for children with mobility problems.
As the current site cannot be expanded, the planning application was for a larger school at a corner site at the junction of Dunlady Road and the Upper Newtownards Road.
Commenting on the approval the Junior Minister Robin Newton said: "I welcome the fact that Planning Service has managed to bring this clearly critical planning application to decision so quickly by working effectively with all those involved."
(GK/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
24 July 2006
Three Ballymena Special Schools to amalgamate
The government has today revealed that three Special Schools in the Ballymena area are to amalgamate. The schools - Beechgrove Special School, Dunfane Special School and Loughan Special School will amalgamate on the former site of Ballymena Boys' and Girls' Schools on completion of a new building.
Three Ballymena Special Schools to amalgamate
The government has today revealed that three Special Schools in the Ballymena area are to amalgamate. The schools - Beechgrove Special School, Dunfane Special School and Loughan Special School will amalgamate on the former site of Ballymena Boys' and Girls' Schools on completion of a new building.
04 February 2014
£10m For Special School Development
Planning approval has been recommended by the Department of the Environment (DOE) for a new £10m building for Arvalee Special School in Omagh. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan made the announcement today. The building is the first school to be erected within the Lisanelly Shared Education campus. The existing school was damaged by fire in 2012.
£10m For Special School Development
Planning approval has been recommended by the Department of the Environment (DOE) for a new £10m building for Arvalee Special School in Omagh. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan made the announcement today. The building is the first school to be erected within the Lisanelly Shared Education campus. The existing school was damaged by fire in 2012.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
29 April 2010
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
