South Formartine area primary school capacity comes under the spotlight
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Aberdeenshire Council is set to complete an options appraisal regarding primary school provision within the South Formartine area.
Concerns over capacity in premises, some on low rolls and others nearing their limit means that schools including Balmedie, Cultercullen, Foveran, Meiklemill, Newburgh Mathers, Port Erroll, Slains, and Tipperty Schools will all be included.
The options appraisal will address the roll and capacities within the schools as well as the housing pressures from the various sites within the South Formartine area.
One of the main concerns is Balmedie Primary where num,bers have continued to increase, but as officers pointed out in a report which was published this week: “The actual roll at Balmedie School has been lower than the numbers published within the school roll forecasts.
“ Officers are confident that there is time to carry out a robust review to make an informed decision. “
A number of options have been identified which will be considered as part of the options appraisal including each school’s Early Years and Additional Support Needs requirements, transport issues and housing provision in the local development plan
It is noted that there is currently limited capacity at Strabathie Waste Water Treatment Works which has limted some developments but works are currently underway in order to provide additional capacity in the area.
The report also confirmed that whilst the option appraisal is largely complete officers have concluded it would be prudent to revisit it after the local development plan process is complete to ensure the correct housing is being considered.
