Consultation

Consultation on the Proposed Disposal of the Dog Lane Field and Reinvestment in The Current School Site for Peppard Church of England Primary School

Consultation Overview

This consultation document outlines the proposed disposal (sale) of the Dog Lane Field, a 2-acre field owned by Peppard Church of England Primary School (see Site Plans).  This is a proposal, pending consultation and Secretary of State consent inline with Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

The consultation will be conducted from 5th Jan 2026 to 17th Feb, in order to allow stakeholders ample opportunity to consider the proposal and respond.  Alternative options can be submitted for consideration during the Consultation.  After the closing date, no new feedback will be accepted. 

Reasons and rationale

The purpose for the Dog Lane Field purchase has not been achieved.  Dog Lane Field was acquired by Peppard Church of England Primary School in 2012.  Originally intended for the development of a new school, committed funding has not been available to achieve this purpose, and future committed funding is not available.  The School has spent £130,619 attempting to develop the field as a new school, the larger part on fees to develop a new school building, some on the purchase price and a lesser amount on a hard surface.  This includes £98,094 of charitable Trust donations.

The field is not used.  Owing to its location, poor condition, and alternative facilities available to the School, the field has seen very low usage over the past several years, and is not currently used (zero timetable hours).  This is not expected to change - it is surplus to requirements.  Disposal would have no impact on the provision of sport or the curriculum for students. 

The disposal proceeds will be invested in the Current School Site.  Proceeds from the sale would be ring fenced for the Current School Site, thereby improving the educational environment and safety.  The Current School Site faces significant challenges, such as ageing temporary buildings, maintenance defects, and restricted playground space. Proceeds from the sale would be used to develop additional permanent infrastructure, resolve Site defects (including issues such as damp and drainage), and expand usable playground space through Springwood classroom removal and site reconfiguration. These improvements will directly benefit pupils and the wider school community.  

The School’s usable sports provision would be increased.  Given that Dog Lane Field is not used, nor is in a state to be used, it is not considered in Area Guidelines for the school.  Moreover, there would be an opportunity to increase in usable play and PE areas as spaces could be reconfigured  through reinvestment on the Current School Site.

Other options for Dog Lane Site use have been considered.  The Board has examined various options (sports use, commercial lease, partial development, etc) and none to date have been financially feasible or operationally executable.  The Governing Board is open to other ideas during this consultation.  Any alternative options submitted in writing will be assessed on the basis of: committed funds; planning consents, operational feasibility, current School Site remediation.  Feedback for Current School Site redevelopment is also welcome.

Consultation approach

• Document.  This consultation document had been distributed to parents, staff, Governors, the Local Authority and Diocese, nearby Schools, and published on the School website

• Meeting: An in person Consultation event is scheduled at the School on 29th January - entrance is at 1830hrs via the rear gate. The proposal will be explained at the meeting, with opportunities for stakeholders to ask questions and express views. School representatives (Governors, and ODBE) will be present to provide clarification.

• Feedback and alternative options: Stakeholders can submit written feedback and alternative options by emailing office@peppardprimary.co.uk

• Peppard Church of England School Trust donations.  Any charitable Trust donation questions should be separately addressed to the Trust Secretary idheriot@gmail.com

Hard copies of documents will be available at the school office for those without internet access. Alternative formats or languages will be provided as required, and the in-person meeting will allow for verbal feedback from those who prefer it or lack digital access.