CA2/197/1

Leighton Buzzard Proposed 2FE Primary School (East of Heath Road) File 1. E/L38/P1 P386

Mar 1966 - Oct 1967

From: 1966 To: 1967

Letters, memos and plans relating to the building of the new infants and primary schools: From County Architect to Mid Beds Water Board referring to enclosed drawing No HE4 showing external water main to the site, and requesting a quotation for supplying and laying a connection from the water main in Heath Road terminating in a meter just inside the boundary of the site. The meter sizing will need to take account of the proposed junior school at the rear of the site. A quotation including 2 1/2% builders discount is required. Drawing No 6945: Site Layout, Drainage & Tree Schedule. Electricity Service Cables EEB quote 15/4/66 £64. 15s Letter from County Architect to Wilson-Dawson Construction dated 25th Aug 1966 advising that Articles of Agreement have been recieved from the Commercial Union Assurance Co. Seeking to agree a date for taking posession of the site. Thompson & Chipperfield Chartered Architects have been appointed and requesting Wilson-Dawson to make contact with them. Letter from County Architect to Wilson-Dawson Construction enclosing the statement of final account and requesting a signature. Ecl: Statement of Financial Account for Heathwood C.P. School Leighton Buzzard. Between Wilis Dawson and the County Architect: Amount of Contract: EL38P1 £61744. 4s. 8d, stating Contingencies: £2785,Daywork: £737, P.C. & provisional sums: £1472.18.6, Variation account £679.11.2, + 12 1/2% £84.7.10, Total £18999.7.10 LESS payments on accout £57900, Balance due to Contractor £358.16.10 Memo from County Planning Officer to County Architect dated 4th Sept 1963 'Future Development - Heath Road, Leighton Buzzard, requesting that he inspects the proposed sites for the school with a view to their suitability Note for Gen O'Carroll Scot from A T Lawes dated 2nd Oct 1963,confirming consultation by the County Planning Office with Mr Barker and Mr Watkins, who are happy with the proposal Memo from ? to the County Planning Officer dated 18th Oct 1963 requesting a further copy of the draft plan in order to obtain comments from the Director of Education. Looking into possible use of Council property "Heathwood" and wishes to know if the owner of part of 136 intends to develop same. Map of Leighton Buzzard - Heath Road showing roads and buildings with memo from County Planning Officer to County Architect dated 21st Oct 1963 suggesting that a specific site should be fixed and inviting the County Architect to review the possible sites. Memo from The County Planning Officer to the County Architect dated 10th Nov 1964, stating that a number of owners and prospective developers have requested details of planning requirements, in perticulat the property "Cotefield" is under current enquiry because part of it is included in the area for the school. Is the 6 acre school site still needed? Map if the area showing suggested site for the school Memo from The Clerk of the County Council Shire Hall Bedford to The County Architect dated 21st Oct 1963, enclosing a copy of the resolution of the Planning Committee, together with a copy of plan No1. The Planning Committee resolved that the plan numbered 226/R1/12 be approved subject to the Education Committee agreeing. Memo to The County Planning Officer dated 11th Nov 1964, confirming that a 6-acre school site is urgently required and noting that the plan is not exactly the same as originally discussed. Ther attached plan shows the overlad of the proposed school with the grounds of "Cotefield". Memo to The County Planning Officer dated 17th Nov 1964 confirming thst the proposed site is not adequate for the proposed school and asking if the west boundary could revert to the original layout, though it would still be tight so that any additional land on the east side would be an asset. Memo from The County Planning Officer to the County Architect dated 4th Dec 1964 referring to the possible extension of the site on the east side, and requesting revised requirements. Memo from The County Planning Officer to The County Planning Officer dated 9th Dec 1964 looking into the suggestion in the above memo dated 4th Dec 1964, saying it will be necessary to retain the County Council Building "Heathwood" and take into account contours and tree formation. Letter from The County Architect to Cumberland & Hopkins, Estate Agents dated 29th Dec 1964, requesting a meeting with Mr Walmsley to explain proposals to aquire his land. Letter from The County Planning Officer to ? dated 24th Feb 1965 enclosing a copy of the ordanance extract showing the revised area required for the schools (not attached) in order to facilitate consultation with Leighton Buzzard District Council. Recalls that the Education Committee gave themselves Deemed Planning Consent in respect of this part of the land in Dec 1963. Letter from County Architect to Cumberland &Hopkins dated 3rd March 1965, enquiring if their client would be prepared to sell the land marked red on the enclosed Ordinance Survey extract (see next entry) totalling 4.605 acres. Memo to Director of Education and County Planning Office from County Architect dated 3rd March 1965, enclosing the Ordinance Survey extract referred to above, and the same content with the addition of a request for observations from a planning point of view and requesting full details of the red land regarding Section 17. The Ordinance Survey extract attached shows Council Owned Heathwood Hostel for maladjusted children in blue and the property to be purchased in red, totalling 6 plots. A large extract from the Ordinance Survey map of Leighton Buzzard, labelled REC 22 PAGE 61, showing the extract referred to in the previous communications (above) in the larger context . It is stamped 'Approved' by the Education Committee 19th March 1965 and also stamped 'Approved' by the Education Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee dated 26th Feb 1965. Memo from Bedfordshire Education Committee to The County Achitect dated 9th April1965, regarding the 'run-down' of Heathwood Hostel for maladjusted children. It is suggested that the current Matron, her husband and the gardener be retained as caretakers of the property if economically acceptable. Memo from The County Planning Officer dated 13th May, saying that he has not had a reply to his memo dated 3rd March in connection with the acquisition of the shown in red on the Ordinance Survey extract. He requires planning clearance as soon as possible together with details of the alternative development that would be allowed if an application were made for a Section 17 certificate. Letter from The County Architect to Mr A Weaver of The Mount, Heath Road (which abuts Heathwood on the opposite side to 'The Hatch') confirming that he does not wish to sell any part of his land. Letter to Mr Pacey, Engineer and Surveyor Leighton Buzzard Urban District Council dated 27th July 1965, referencing a recent discussion with Mr Walmsley and enclosing a drawing of the proposed school and discussing roads and access. Enclosed: Drawing No EL38 Proposed Infants and Junior School Scheme B - No2 Leighton Buzzard - Heath Road, East July '65. Showing an outline plan of the school and roads. 'Copy of plan sent to Mr S W Pacey L/Buzzard; Director of Education; County Planning Officer dated 27th July 1965 Letter from Pettit & Westlake, Solicitors to The County Architect dated 27th July 1965, regarding The Mount Heath Road LB. The owner, Mr A Weaver has instructed them because he is 'in the dark' about proposals affecting part of his property, which would likely have a detrimental affect on the rest. They request details and a plan of the proposals. Memo from The County Planning Officer to The County Architect dated 5th August 1965 referring to a sketch layout plan of the proposed school. this points out difficulties with access to the schoolover land that is not proposed for purchase and has no right of way. Also involved is the movement of an estate road without consultation with the County Surveyor. Letter from The Engineer & Surveyor Leighton-Linslade Urban District Council to J C Barker County Architect's Dept dated 11th August 1965 lodging an objection to the temporary access arrangements to the school Letter to Pettit & Westlake from The County Architect dated 16th August 1965, in reply to their letter of 27th July, and acknowledging that their client Mr Weaver of The Mount had definitely declined to sell his property. Letter from The County Architect to Mr E Stott of The Hatch dated 25th August 1965, requesting that he sell a triangle of his land for visibility splays to improve access to the road that will be the temporary access road for the school. An Ordinance Survey extract is attached with the area marked in red. Memo from County Surveyor's Dept to The County Architect dated 25th August 1965 referring to a meeting between Mr Walmsley and Messrs. Wilks and Fuller of the surveyor's Dept. The northernmost permenant access should not neccessitate the felling of a line of trees, which would cause a public outcry. Therefore the proposal temporarily to use a private drive for access is agreed providing that access to the private drive is closed when the new road is built. Some improvements and vision splays are recommended. Letter fromCounty Architect to S W Percy, Surveyor Leighton Buzzard Urban District Council, dated 2nd September 1965, enclosing a copy of the letter 25th Sept (above) and an enlarged plan showing the proposed splays and site plan (drawing No E L 38) Memo from County Surveyor to the County Architect dated 13th September 1965, pointing out that the plan (drawing No E L 38 referred to above) is inaccurate. He requests an amended plan showing the public road as 55ft wide and also to show his requirements for the improvement of the private access road as per his letter of 25th August. Memo from The Director of Education to The County Architect dated 22nd September 1965, referring to a conversation he had with Sir Frank Markham on behalf of a resident of Heath Road. They are under the impression that the svhool will cater for children from council estates who will be bussed in. Reasurance is offered that the development will be on "Buchanan" lines, inward looking and self-contained, with segregation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Memo from The Clerk of The County Council to The Director of Education and the County Architect dated 20th September 1965, attaching copies of objections to the proposed schools. It is observed that the objections are to the siting of the schools, not to the provision of the schools themselves. The enclosures are: a). letter fromthe Clerk of the Leighton-Linslade Urban District Council to the Clerk of the County Council dated 17th September 1965, refering to a meeting with Mrs F E Stott of The Hatch, Heath Road LB, lodging her objections to the school. She was requested to put them in writing. b). Mrs F E Stott's letter of objections dated 16th September 1965. The objections comprise 1). Heath Road being too busy to be safe; 2).The access drive to The Hatch, being private, would become too busy and the resulting conjestion being further danger to children as well as an inconvenience. 3). The area is rated as a high class residential area and property values would be depreciated. 4). Uncontrolled noise. 5). The shcool would be on the edge of the green belt and few of the children would be local. c). Letter from Justin & Carnley, Solicitors, to the Clark of the Council dated 18th September 1965, enclosing a letter written to the Permanent Under Secretary of State. d). The letter refered to above, from Justin & Carnley to The Permanent Under Secretary of State, dated 15th September 1965, containing the objections mentioned above and adding that the existing drainage and sewerage systems would be insufficient, and that betterand more suitable sites are available elsewhere. A list of 23 objectors from 13 properties is attached. e). A copy of Memo from The Director of Education to The County Architect dated 22nd September 1965, referring to a conversation he had with Sir Frank Markham on behalf of a resident of Heath Road. They are under the impression that the svhool will cater for children from council estates who will be bussed in. Reasurance is offered that the development will be on "Buchanan" lines, inward looking and self-contained, with segregation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Memo from The Director of Education to The Clerk of the County Council (copied to The County Architect) dated 13th October 1965, addressing the objections to the school (above): 1). It is not intended that children should cross Heath Rd to attend the school 2). The County Architect will respond to the issue of temporary access of Heathwood Drive; 3). The school is intended to serve the area in which it stands; 4). No evidence of noise from schools; 5).The school will cater for the development planned for the eastern side of Heath Rd.; 5). The permanent development of the area will do away with movement of children along Heath Rd.; 6). The site is in accordance with Building Regs.; 7). The school will cater only for children within the area east of Heath Rd.; 8). The county Architect will deal with some of the objections.; 9). It has always been the policy of this committee to site its primary schools within the residential areas they are intended to serve. Memo from ? to The Clerk of the County Council dated 15th October, answering the objections in similar fashion and pointing out that the site is a good deal large than the Ministry's minimum regulation requirements. The drainage sitiation is being investigated and further information with be forthcoming. Letter from The County Architect to The Engineer and Surveyor, Leighton Buzzard Urban District Council, dated 25th October 1965, regarding drainage and sewage of the proposed sites. The General Survey map refered to is not attached. The existing house Heathwood, to be demolished, has 14 WCs, 11 lavatory basins and 5 baths. The new school will have 20 WCs. When the future infant school is built it will have 25 WCs. The existing 6" foul sewage pipe is assessed sufficient He asks that this is confirmed and also confirm the levels of the manholes Nos 7 and 12 in Heathroad on the plan. Also confirm that the 9" surface water sewer is available. Letter from the Engineer & Surveyor Leighton-Linslade Urban District Council to The County Architect, dated 15th October 1965. States that the Town Planning Committee held on 11th October were not in favour of the proposed temporary access and consider that a permanent road should be laid down at the northern end of the site. Memo from The County Planning Officer to The County Architect dated 27th October 1965 re the proposed residential development at "Cotefield", Heath Road LB, enclosing a plan and application (not attached) requesting observations on the proposed school site. Letter from Austin & Carnely Solicitors to The County Architect dated 1st November 1965, requesting a response to their letter dated 18th ultimo. A handwritten note states that a telephone conversation reinformed the writer that the question was being looked into. Memo from ? to the County Planning Officer, dated 3rd November 1965, referring to Leighton Buzzard Town Planning Committee's objections to a temporary access (see 15th Oct above). As the school is in the current year's building programme the provision of temporary access is extremely urgent. A meeting is scheduled between Mr Walmsley and Mr Reay for 4th November to discuss this. Letter from The County Architect to Mr E Stott of The Hatch referring to his letter of 25th Aug, regarding the acquisition of a patch of land, to which he has had no reply. He attaches the original letter and plan. Letter from Austin & Carnely Solicitors to The County Architect dated 4th November 1965 referring to the above letter that has been forwarded to them by Mr Stott. He declines to enter into negotiation on the matter while objections to the whole school project are being dealt with. Heathwood Leighton Buzzard Tree Survey Drawing EL38/ES572 November 1965. showing the position and type of trees. Also showing Note: Consultation with Planning on Trees should be made at a later date! and Note: Boundaries are applroximate only. Enlarged from arrial survey. Memo from The County Architect to The County Planning Officer dated 5th November referring to memo of 27th October (above). The "Cotefield" land is not included in the School development site. Attached are two documents and a plan showing that the "Cotefield" land is to be developed with houses. Memo to The County Planning Officer dated 5th November 1965 referring to the discussion between Mr Walmsley and Mr Reay, The Solicitors acting for the owners of The Mount have been asked if their clients would be willing to sell parcel 86 (The Mount) to the Authority. Memo from The County Planning Officer to The County Architect dated 5th November 1965 acknowledging the proposal to purchase the adjoining land. Letter from The County Architect to Pettit & Westlake dated 5th November 1965 referring to his letter of 16th August (Above) and subsequent discussion on 4th November , confirming that the Authority would be willing to acquire The Mount, Heath Rd. He requests that the immediately contact their client Mr Weaver so that he can report to his committee on 26th November. He requests confermation that Mr Weaver owns parcel 85 and states that negotiations would be dealt with by the District Valuer. Letter from Linslade-Leighton Urban District Council to The County Architect dated 10th November 1965 referring to their letter of 25th Oct. confirming that the 6" foul sewer is sufficient, but questionning the details of the discharge of surface water and requesting further information. Letter from Brown & Merry, Estate Agents, to The County Architect dated 15th November 1965, Regarding The Mount owned by Mr & Mrs Weaver. They are instructed to negotiate a satisfactory price for the required land and request the relevant plans. Memo from The Clerk of The County Council Bedford to The Director of Education and The County Architect, dated 8th December 1965, with three further documents attached. In short the objections to the building of the school have been reitterated and a request for a personal hearing to be convened is made to the Permanent Under Secretary of State for Education. Memo from ? to the County Planning Officer dated 14th December 1965, enclosing a copy of the Ordnance Survey map showing The Mount in red, under consideration for acquisition. It requests formal planning clearance and views on alternative development in the event of a section 17 Certificate. Also requests planning clearance to the suggested temporary access (referred to in memo 17th November). Memo from ? to The Clerk of The County Council referring to the memo of 8th December dealing with all the objections raised therein, as stated in the memo 13th October 1965 above Letter from County Architect to Surveyor Leighton Buzzard Urban District Council dated 12th January 1966, referring to an enclosed drawing EL38P1/ES593 (not attached here) pointing out proposals for discrete parcels of land. Memo from ? to County Planning Officer dated 12th January 1966 content same as abover with addition of confirmation that the Education Committee, which met on 17th december 1965, recommended acquisition of The Mount, subject to the school's approval. Memo from The County Planning Officer to The County Architect dated 18th January 1966 replying to the memos dated 17th November and 14th December 1965. States no objection to the proposed temporary approach road, though the Leighton Buzzard Town Planning Committee require it to close within 6 months of the completion of the school. It states that no further planning clearance is necessary. With regard to alternative development of houses, a density of 16 dwellings per acre is recommended. Memo from Clerk of the Council dated 24th January 1966 with attached Forms of Particulars and plans to enable the District Valuer to negotiate for 1.106 acres of land adjoining the school, which referrs to The Mount shown in red on the attached map. Memo to County Planning Officer dated 27th January 1966 enclosing a copy of the memo to County Planning Officer dated 17th November 1965 with Drawing No EL38P1, Leighton Buzzard Heath Road East Development Sketch Layout Nov 1975 showing infant school. Requesting final details of the development of The Mount site as soon as possible. Memo from The County Planning Officer to The County Architect dated 10th February 1966, stating that outline consent for the residential development of The Mount site has been given. Letter from Mrs Delafield of The White House asking if her garden would be part of the school development. Handwritten note says a telephone call to Mrs Delafield reassured her that this was not the case. Letter from The District Valuer to The Clerk of the County Council dated 21st March 1966, attaching a description of The Mount property and its valuation at £12,500, assuming that the house was to be demollished. Memo from The Director of Education to the County architect dated 21st March 1966, relaying a request from Mrs Chiltern if she may remain an Heathwood Hostel unti April. Also she wishes to purchase some fixtures and fittings. A handwritten not says no objection. Note, undated and corrected by hand, confirming thast the Education Committee have approved the purchase of The Mount and its demolition. Letter from Willis-Dawson Builders to The County Architect dated 2nd May 1966 asking if any surplace land would be available for housing development. Letter from Willis-Dawson Builders to The County Architect dated 7th June 1966, referring to a discussion on 16th May re housing development. Referring to difficulties of siting roadsand suggesting that an offer of no more than £9,000, plus County Council contribution tyo the roads, would enable the building of six good class detached houses. Memo from Mr Walmsley to Mr Barker dated 19th July 1966 stating that the District Valuer thinks the offer by Willis-Dawson Builders (above) is reasonable. Memo from Bedfordshire Education Committee to The County Architect dated 19th August 1966 forwarding the keys to Heathwood Hostel. Letter from The Department of Education and Science to George Brewis, Shire Hall Bedford dated 14th September 1966 agreeing to the loan of £100,106 over 60 years for the schools, and attaching a schedule of the projects it funds. Memo from The Clerk of the County Council to The County Architect dated 10th October 1966 noting that the purchase of the Mount is complete and the keys are available. Letter from Willis-Dawson Builders to The County Architect dated 18th October noting that finances are tight and they need more time to plan the building of houses. Letter from Willis-Dawson Builders to The County Architect dated 10th November 1966 suggesting high density housing housing on the site, for which land they would offer £9,000 provided the Council contributed £2,000 towards the access road Memo from The Clerk of the County Council to The County Architect dated 8th May 1967 enclosing a letter from Brown and Merry Estate Agents to he Clerk of the County Council dated 5th May 1967 regarding percieved changes the the original planning, and asking if some land might be on sale for development. Letter from The County Architect to Dawson-Willis dated 10th May 1967 enquiring about an up to date offer for The Mount. Also Thompson & Chipperfield have details of the proposed access road. Memo from The County Surveyor to The County Architect instructing that the areas within the vision splays should be cleared of undergrowth and other obstructions, but the trees are to remain. Letter to Willis-Dawson Builders fromThe County Architect dated 15th May 1967 confirming that he will send a copy of the plan for the new road to cross The Mount and provide access to the school and the Chiltern Gardens development. Letter to Willis-Dawson Builders fromThe County Architect dated 15th May 1967 as above confirming that he will send a copy of the plan for the new road to cross The Mount and provide access to the school and the Chiltern Gardens development, also that there will be surplus land and that the temporary access would be closed when the Town Planning road is completed. Letter from Brown & Merry Estate Agents to The County Architect dated 16th May 1967 noting their interest in the surplus land mentioned above. Memo from ? to The County Planning Officer dated 16th May 1967 with Ordnance Survey extract attached (drawing No EL38P1/ES766) showing the proposed service road across The Mount to serve the school and housing development. A definite layout of the road is required as soon as possible. Letter from The County Architect to Willis-Dawson dated 9th June 1967, confirming that a copy of the road layout will be sent as soon as is possible. Letter from Brown & Merry Estate Agents to The County Architect dated 28th June 1967asking for news for their clients about land availability Letter to Brown & Merry from The County Architect dated 28th July 1967 reassuring them that they will recieve information on the road layout as soon as it is ready. Memo from ? to The County Planning Officer dated 28th July requiring the details of the road layout. Letter from Brown & Merry to The County Architect dated 12th September asking for further information about possible surplus land coming back on the market for hosing. Letter to Brown & Merry from The County Architect dated 22nd September regarding the still aeaited information about land for sale and saying that the Authority would likely be interested in a satisfactory offer. Letter from Brown & Merry to The County Architect dated 26th September 1967 acknowledging the above letter Memo from The County Planner to The County Architect dated 26th October 1967 recommending that The Mount site could be developed not exceeding 1 dwellings per acre. The access road junction with the County Road should avoid being oposite Sandy Lane and Park Road, specifying the size of visibiity splays.Existing trees should be avoided.. Letter from Brown & Merry to The County Architect dated 31st November 1967 repeating their request for information about availability of building land for their cliets.

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Commercial Union Assurance Company Limited,
Mid-Bedfordshire Water Board

LEIGHTON BUZZARD, School