Plans approved for new Down High School
Published on Fri, 27 Nov 2009
Environment Minister, Edwin Poots today announced his decision to approve plans for a new post primary school in Downpatrick. The proposed new school will replace the existing Down High School where the site does not allow for the expansion and modernisation needed.
Speaking after a visit to the site the Minister said: “This approval will now enable the South Eastern Education & Library Board to move forward with the plans to provide a modern, spacious accommodation conducive to delivering a high standard of education to children.”
The application was processed in under 6 months by the Strategic Projects Team at Planning Service Headquarters following pre-application discussions.
The Minister said: “This is another fine example what can be gained from engaging in pre-application discussions where key issues can be identified at an early stage allowing the application to pass through the statutory planning process quickly. On the cusp of Christmas this approval will provide a welcome boost to the local construction industry.”
Notes for Editors
1. The planning application was submitted on 8 June 2009 by the South Eastern Education & Library School.
2. The application is for outline planning permission for a post primary school to replace the existing Down High School.
3. The proposal consists of ancillary sports pitches and car parking together with all associated site works including landscaping, accesses (accesses from Strangford Road and Quoile Road) and off site road improvements; these include the junction of Quoile Road with Old Belfast Road, and the junction of Belfast Road and New Bridge Street.
4. The application was designated as one of major importance under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 on 21 July 2009. .
5. For media enquiries contact DOE Press Office tel. 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours call the EIS Duty Press Officer on 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
