Consultation begins into new primary school for Ribble Valley

The new primary school, if it did go-ahead, would be built on the Higher Standen Farm site in the town.

The school would, over time, provide 210 places which would accommodate rising pupil numbers as a result of housing development in the area and an increase in the birth rate.

It is proposed that the new school would open in September 2023.

The Higher Standen Farm development is set to provide 1040 of around 1400 houses planned for the Clitheroe area over the next few years.

A site for a new school has been secured in a Section 106 agreement between the county council, Ribble Valley Borough Council and the landowner, Higher Standen Trustee.

The building for the new school would be provided by the county council and be partly funded through contributions from the housing development contributions.

County Coun. Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "The county council is responsible for making sure that we have enough high-quality school places available to meet demand.

"We have extended existing schools in the area, but future expected developments, plus an increase in the birth rate, means we need to consider if a new school is needed.

"I am really keen that people take part in this consultation and share their views about this proposal."

The informal consultation will run until 5pm on January 15th, 2021.

There will also be an opportunity to feed back as part of a formal consultation which must take place after a free school sponsor has been approved by the Secretary of State, but before the signing of the funding agreement. This consultation is expected later in the year.

For more information visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/schoolorganisationreviews