Councillors advised to approve rebuild plans for James Calvert Spence College in Amble

By Craig Buchan
Published 27th Oct 2023, 17:52 BST
Updated 27th Oct 2023, 17:52 BST
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Plans for an overhaul of education facilities in Amble have been recommended for approval by Northumberland County Council planning officers.

Councillors have been advised to support plans to demolish James Calvert Spence College’s secondary school buildings on Acklington Road and replace them with new facilities nearer the middle school building.

Plans to renovate that building, located on South Avenue, have also been backed by planners ahead of a Strategic Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday, November 7.

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The projects are part of a £39m county council investment in converting the school system in the area to the two-tier model, which is common across England.

The proposed new facility for James Calvert Spence College will be decided by councillors on November 7. (Photo by Northumberland County Council)The proposed new facility for James Calvert Spence College will be decided by councillors on November 7. (Photo by Northumberland County Council)
The proposed new facility for James Calvert Spence College will be decided by councillors on November 7. (Photo by Northumberland County Council)

In their report to councillors, planning officers said the projects are about “improving the teaching and learning environment” for pupils and creating “facilities that would also benefit the wider community.”

They added: “The redevelopment of the school meets planning policy principles on community provision and community well-being and can also be seen as an investment in the future of the Northumberland economy.”

The plans, if approved, will pave the way for Amble First School to relocate to the South Avenue site and absorb James Calvert Spence pupils up to age 11, creating a 210-place primary school.