Decision taken to relocate secondary school

Plans to relocate a secondary school have been approved by a council, despite a campaign to keep it on the same site.

Henry Cort Community College in Fareham will move to a new site in North Whiteley.

Hampshire County Council had previously approved the move, but following substantial opposition at two public consultations, the decision was then called in for further examination by councillors.

Final approval was granted at the local authority's Children and Young People Select Committee meeting in Winchester on Tuesday.

The local authority plan is to move Henry Cort from its Hillson Drive site in Fareham to a new North Whiteley secondary school site about five miles (8km) away.

Development in Whiteley has seen 2,000 homes already built, with a further 3,500 planned north of the Whiteley settlement area.

The council said the plans allowed for an estimated 900 to 1,200 secondary school places needed in the developing area.

In a statement, school principal Chris Rice said: "While we fully appreciate that change can be challenging, the relocation will enable the school to remain viable, ensuring ongoing good quality education for local children."

A motion from Fareham Borough Council petitioned to keep Henry Cort open at its existing site, alongside the new school in Whiteley.

Leader of Fareham Borough Council Simon Martin previously said: "We welcome the announcement of a new school for North Whiteley but are fighting for Henry Cort School to remain open."

Council papers showed the most recent public consultations held in January and February had a total of 140 responses, with 104 objecting to moving Henry Cort.

Cabinet member for children's services at Hampshire County Council, Roz Chadd, said "While I appreciate that today's decision does not reflect all views on this matter, I am confident that it is the right one to protect the school's future and ensure a strong and stable educational offer across Whiteley and Fareham in the longer term."

A consultation on a number of changes to local catchment areas and admissions arrangements is due to take place later this year.

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