Northamptonshire council approves plans to build school near historical gates

A council has approved plans for a new primary school to be built on land opposite a set of historical gates.

Overstone Leys Primary School will be constructed facing the entrance to Overstone Hall near Northampton.

West Northamptonshire Council's planning committee heard that the building would cause "less than substantial harm" to the setting of the Grade II Listed Pytchley Gates.

The primary school will provide places for 420 pupils.

The council is run by a Conservative administration.

The 17th Century stone arch gates were originally the centrepiece to the entrance to Pytchley Hall, near Kettering, which was eight miles (13km) away.

The hall was demolished in the 19th Century and the gates were taken to Overstone Hall, which can be seen through the centre of the structure.

Overstone Hall's future is uncertain as it has been empty for several years and has suffered two major fires.

A council conservation officer said there was a danger the school building would "draw the eye away from the focal point of the Pytchley Gates".

The officer concluded, however, that the harm caused to the listed structure was "less than substantial".

The officer said the design of the school was "directly influenced" by the Pytchley Gates, referencing both the limestone colour and the relief pattern in the stone carving.

Overstone Parish Council said it had been originally advised that the school and the playing fields would be available for community use, but had since been told that this would not be possible.

The school will have two classrooms per year group, a large main hall and studio, special needs and medical rooms, a library and ICT facilities .

The council's planning committee approved the plans on 23 April.

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