New Alconbury Weald school approved after cost-cutting changes
In planning documents, Cambridgeshire County Council and developer Morgan Sindall said the changes "introduced improvements to the design of the scheme".The plans, which have been approved by the council's planning committee, said it was a "more efficient use of area and improves pupil and staff circulation between the school facilities".It could also allow for an expansion to create an enclosed external courtyard space. If expanded, the school could double its pupil capacity to 1,200, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Last year, the council proposed not installing a sprinkler system in the new school as construction costs had "significantly" exceeded the £37m project budget.It was thought a sprinkler system could cost between £850,000 and £900,000, although it was later suggested this figure may have been "on the high side".The report said a risk assessment found it was acceptable not to include sprinklers, with other fire protection features proposed.At the time, some councillors disputed the proposals not top have sprinklers.The final plans for the school include a sprinkler tank – a tank that typically provides the water for a sprinkler system.
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