Plans to build new maintenance building destroyed by fire at Culford School, near Bury St Edmunds, approved despite concerns

Plans have been approved for a new maintenance building at an independent school to replace one which was destroyed by a fire.

Culford School has gained planning permission from West Suffolk Council for the maintenance building with a carpenter’s workshop, vehicle workshop and storage at ground floor as well as office space with a meeting room and breakout area at first floor.

A lean-to structure would be removed, alterations made to a boundary wall and entrance gates and there would be hardstanding with an EV charging point.

Listed building consent was also granted for the work which will replace a building lost to a blaze in June.

Culford Parish Council did not support the application as it said the building was too tall, did not fit with the surroundings and did not fit with the Culford Management Plan.

One neighbour objected due to concerns over the scale and height of the proposed building and they didn’t believe the new modern buildings at the school such as tennis domes justified further modern buildings.

They also had concerns about views of the new structure from The Street.

West Suffolk Council’s conservation officer said although the mass of the replacement building was an increase, the overall ridge height would be screened by existing development on approach to the school’s hall.

Glimpses of the building will be possible through the gates, they said, but are against the backdrop of modern domed indoor tennis courts so any harm caused by the building would be limited.

Officers said the plans accord with policy as they are for purposes related to the school and would not impact the wider landscape.