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Search the Public Notice PortalA decision has been made on plans to build new teacher accommodation at a Romford school to combat "struggles to attract staff".
A six-bedroom residential building was proposed to be built near Marshalls Park Academy in Pettits Lane to help the school address staff shortages.
On Monday (June 29), Havering Council approved the plans, which were submitted by the South West Essex Community Education Trust (SWECET).
The idea for a new building follows a similar five-bedroom scheme midway along the Pettits Lane frontage already in place at the academy.
Originally a caretaker’s house, it was converted to teachers’ accommodation with planning permission granted in 2018.
The planning application said: "The existing schoolhouse has remained fully occupied for the last few years with additional unmet demand for accommodation.
"This accommodation would allow the trust to attract initial teacher training candidates and those new to the profession who would otherwise be priced out due to high rental costs in the area."
The document notes that Marshalls Park Academy has a pupil population of 1,200-plus and more than 100 staff members, and "like other schools, it struggles to attract staff due to the cost of living".
It said the school has staff from Canada, Ireland and the north east of England who would not have been recruited without the possibility of offering subsidised accommodation.
With approval from the council's planning department comes several planning conditions, including restrictions on the building's occupancy.
It is to be used solely by teachers employed at Marshalls Park Academy, with a maximum capacity of six individuals.
Any self-containment to create separate residential units or studio flats would require new planning permission.
It also specified that no trees may be lopped or felled without written consent from the local planning authority as it "makes an important contribution to the character of the area".
Construction work will be limited to 8am to 6pm on weekdays, 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, and will not be permitted on Sundays or bank holidays.
According to SWECET’s design and access statement, teacher recruitment remains "especially problematic in the south east of England due to the cost of living".
Plans for the new block stress that it will support "initial teacher training candidates and those new to the profession who would otherwise be priced out due to high rental costs".
The trust had considered buying and refurbishing a nearby house but found this option "financially unviable" and noted that it would also reduce available family housing.
The location in Pettits Lane ensures "none of the existing sports pitches are encroached upon or relocated" and none of the existing parking arrangements are affected.
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