Plans lodged for temporary classroom at Strathspey primary school now at full capacity
Plans have been lodged for a modular classroom at Carrbridge Primary School to accommodate a projected increase in pupil numbers in the next few years.
Highland Council has submitted the proposals for the school which is currently at maximum capacity with 75 children enrolled.
Next term the roll number is forecast to drop to 73 pupils but the following academic year is set to rise to 78 pupils with 11 new P1 arrivals so the classrooms will be at 104 per cent occupancy.
A gradual fall in pupil numbers is then forecast from 2027/28 with just 51 pupils (68 per cent occupancy) by 2039/40.
The local authority states in its submission to Highland Council planners: “Due to an increase in school role there is a requirement for one primary classroom which meets the current care and learning standards.
“The modular unit is required as an interim solution until such time as a further catchment review takes place as part of the next 10-year plan.”
Morrison Construction Ltd will be the contractor and the modular unit supplier is SIBCAS if the plans are given the green light.
Officers state in the report: “In order that we preserve amenity, play space and parking a site has been identified in area of poor-quality trees.
“This location is also close to the main school entrance which offers better security.
“A tree survey has been conducted and all poor-quality trees on the school site are to be taken out and replaced as part of an approved compensatory replacement plan.
“This location will preserve the only available area for extension to the east gable.”
The council has said the location of the modular unit will not have any effect on the size of existing playground or sports areas for the school.
Bats are present on the site therefore any works will be conducted under licence by the council.
The modular is out with the 30m radius so it is just the service connections that need to be considered.
Nesting birds and trees affected by the works have been removed outwith the nesting season.
