Taylor Wimpey is bringing forward detailed proposals for a new primary school and nursery at Wisley Acres, the new neighbourhood being created at the former Wisley Airfield.
The school will serve both new and existing residents and is part of the approved development for the site. Taylor Wimpey has instructed Pollard Thomas Edwards as the architect, and they have created draft plans with the input of Surrey County Council’s highways and education teams, plus Guildford Borough Council planning officers.
The school will be next to the neighbourhood centre, the SANG and the allotments as outlined in the approved Land Use Parameter Plan. Please note the layouts of these adjacent plots is indicative at this stage.The school will serve both new and existing residents and is part of the approved development for the site. Taylor Wimpey has instructed Pollard Thomas Edwards as the architect, and they have created draft plans with the input of Surrey County Council’s highways and education teams, plus Guildford Borough Council planning officers.
The school will be next to the neighbourhood centre, the SANG and the allotments as outlined in the approved Land Use Parameter Plan. Please note the layouts of these adjacent plots is indicative at this stage.
What is being planned?
The proposals include:
- A two-form entry primary school, for 420 pupils aged 4-11
- A nursery integrated into the building, for 52 pupils aged 2-4
- Including land safeguarded for potential future expansion to a three-form entry primary school
The school forms part of the existing planning agreement that was secured under the hybrid planning consent 22/P/01175. Taylor Wimpey’s intention is to submit a reserve matters planning application showing the detail of the school, this spring.
Design Approach
The school is intended to act as a landmark building, with the design responding to the history and character of the former Wisley Airfield. It takes cues from the site’s aviation heritage while also reflecting the surrounding rural setting.
The building follows the Department for Education’s guidance and the approved Wisley Design Code. It is a simple building made up of a teaching wing with pitched roofs and a halls block designed as a larger, more prominent hangar-inspired element helping to create a strong and recognisable presence within the neighbourhood.
The school entrance is marked by a taller chimney-style detail, as a nod to the historical semaphore towers in the area and the proposed Community Building within the future Market Square. On entering the double height entrance hall pupils will be greeted by a living tree of knowledge.
The layout and overall form have been tested through a number of design studies, considering how the building works internally and how it will appear from key views across the new development. It will be no more than two storeys high, set far back from existing properties and surrounded by planting.
Emerging proposals ideas include having a white brick and potential British Racing Green timber facades with civic detailing with warm metal pitched roofs.
Layout and learning environment
The building has been designed to by fully accessible and inclusive. The internal layout follows national school standards. Circulation routes, stairs and exits meet or exceed Department for Education requirements and are supported by a fire strategy.
Early years and reception classrooms will have direct access to safe and secure outdoor play areas, and there will be play equipment and space for PE and sports.
Landscape and boundaries
The proposed boundary treatment is a brick wall with railings above, fronted by soft landscape planting. This approach is intended to provide safety for pupils while maintaining an appropriate relationship with the surrounding neighbourhood.
A full landscape design of the play areas and the integration of the site with the Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) will be part of the planning application. Included within this will be a scheme for drainage for the school, utilising the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) features within the SANG.
Transport
The school is highly accessible within the wider masterplan and sustainable travel to school will be promoted for pupils. There is space for pupils to store their scooters and bicycles encouraging car-free journeys.
The bus stop is also located to the south of the pedestrian entrance street for pupils choosing to travel by bus. Alternatively safely segregated pedestrian and cycle pathways connect all three neighbourhoods to the school and future Market Square.
Cycle parking facilities and car parking spaces are provided for staff.
Sustainability
The design is being developed in line with local climate policy. Solar gain, where the buildings are designed to naturally heat through the sun’s rays, is being carefully considered, particularly on south-facing elevations. Hot water and heating to the school will be provided by renewable energy sources via the district energy network.
