Academy gets planning go-ahead

PLANS for a primary school in Waltham were approved by councillors at a meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Planning Committee.

The primary school, which is being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Department for Education and through Section 106 contributions, will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academy Trust (LGAT).

Plans for a second primary school in Scartho, on land off Matthew Telford Way, were approved in December last year.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see planners approved these proposals.

“The two primary schools in Scartho and Waltham are desperately needed by 2026 to accommodate pupils.

“I have heard the concerns of local residents and I know that we are keen, along with Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust to work with them to minimise any disruption.

“These school spaces are sorely needed, and it’s vital that we start to plan now for the future.”

Martin Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, appointed to run the two new free schools serving Waltham and Scartho, said: “We’re pleased both have now been approved by planners.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with North East Lincolnshire Council and our other partners to provide additional, quality education provision in Waltham and Scartho.

“We will keep residents informed throughout the build and there will be opportunities for local communities to engage with us to help address any concerns.”

Work is expected to begin shortly.