The purpose of this report is to inform Cabinet of the outcome of the consultation into the proposal to relocate Mynydd Cynffig primary school to the site of Cynffig Comprehensive School. Of the outcome of the evaluation of the counter proposal received from the community ( as part of that consultation ) in respect of developing the Junior site for primary provision. Of the outcome of the review of the 2011 feasibility report in respect of the Junior site (ie the counter proposal). Of the outcome of the re-evaluation of both current junior and comprehensive school sites for primary provision. Of the findings of the environmental impact assessment in respect of the civic amenity site and cement works. And finally to request Cabinet approval to abandon the scheme to relocate Mynydd Cynffig to the Cynffig Comprehensive site

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support reported on the outcome of the consultation into the proposal to relocate Mynydd Cynffig primary school to the site of Cynffig Comprehensive School and of the outcome of the evaluation of the counter proposal received from the community (as part of that consultation) in respect of developing the Junior site for primary provision. 

He also reported on the outcome of the review of the 2011 feasibility report in respect of the Junior site (the counter proposal ) and the outcome of the re-evaluation of both current junior and comprehensive school sites for primary provision.  He informed Cabinet of the findings of the environmental impact assessment in respect of the civic amenity site and cement works and sought approval to abandon the scheme to relocate Mynydd Cynffig to the Cynffig Comprehensive site. 

He reported that consultation was carried out on a proposal to relocate the primary school to the comprehensive school site, with considerable representations having been received.  Concerns were also expressed regarding the location of a concrete mixing facility and the proposal to locate a civic amenity site on Village Farm Industrial Estate, Pyle.  During the evaluation scoring sessions, it was recognised there would be difficulties in developing primary provision on both the Junior and Comprehensive sites.  As a consequence of the evaluation, together with the revised budget estimates in respect of the development at the comprehensive site the panel considered that the proposal did not represent value for money.  He stated that the budget cost estimate was prepared for the development of primary provision at the Junior site which was in excess of £10 million and excluded works to the external Highway.  In light of the aforementioned potential costs, and considering the available budget for the scheme of £7.05 million, it was considered that circumstances had changed significantly.  He informed Cabinet that a considerable increase in funding would be required to develop primary provision at the comprehensive site, which rendered the original proposal cost prohibitive.  As the counter proposal had been costed at a similar level, there was insufficient funding currently available to take forward either scheme. 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support reported that the Welsh Government had approved the Strategic Outline Case in respect of the Mynydd Cynffig Primary scheme and had invited the Council to proceed to Outline Business Case stage.  Subject to Cabinet’s decision, the Welsh Government would be advised of the outcome of this process.

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support also reported that the current capital programme, approved by Council on 1 March 2017, showed the Mynydd Cynffig Primary School total scheme budget as £7.050 million, which comprised £5,044,798 funding from the Council and £2,005,202 funding from Welsh Government.  He stated that the Council’s contribution is a combination of general capital funding, capital receipts and S106 funding.  He stated that the capital programme also included a budget of £700,000 in respect of highways works identified as necessary to complete the proposed relocation of the Primary school to the Cynffig site.  He stated that in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules Council will be requested to approve the removal of the school scheme from the capital programme, along with the associated highways works.

The Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration commented that the Council had listened to the views of local residents during the consultation process.  The Deputy Leader commented that the Council had a commitment for ensuring the children of Kenfig Hill had the very best education.   

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support informed Cabinet that a further report will be provided on options for the future development of Mynydd Cynffig Primary.         

RESOLVED:               That Cabinet:

(1)  abandoned the proposal to relocate Mynydd Cynffig Primary to the Cynffig Comprehensive site.

(2) gave approval to inform Welsh Government to remove the scheme from Band A of the 21^st Century Schools Programme

(3) requested that Council remove the scheme and associated Highways works from the capital programme.