Joyce Frankland Academy in Newport is undertaking a consultation regarding the proposed sale of land at the school to a residential developer.

The trustees of the school have given notice of plans to sell off 2.16 acres of currently unused grassland abutting the playing fields, and part of the staff and student car park.

Sale of the land will raise around £2.6 million, which the academy say will be invested in improving facilities at the Bury Water Lane site.

The proceeds will go towards school buildings, security systems, heating and boiler systems, academic and ICT equipment, and sporting facilities. Following a tender process, the school has chosen developer Hill to build 26 houses on the land, which falls on the current car park and the strip between the railway line and the cricket boundary.

The staff and student car park will be relocated to elsewhere on the school site.

In a letter addressed to parents from principal Gordon Farquhar and chair of trustees Richard Vallance, the school and trustees explained their reasons behind the decision.

The letter said: “Schools funding and income per student has been consistently reduced over the past few years and all schools and academies have had to increasingly introduce cost saving measures.

“We believe our students and staff need the best facilities available so that we can continue to develop Joyce Frankland Academy into an even more inspirational academy.

“With this in mind, we have put forward some of our land for consideration in the Uttlesford growth plan and have thoroughly investigated the options available to us.

“It is important to note that none of the land in question is used as teaching space and the cricket pitch will remain in use. No other teaching or field space is being sold.

“The money raised from this will be fully invested over an appropriate period to improve the academy’s facilities.”

Any representations from interested parties should be made in writing to; The Trustees, Joyce Frankland Academy Trust, and emailed to consultation@jfan.org.uk. Representations should be received no later than August 28.

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