St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School

The project is part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme and Baxall Construction are the project contractors. The comprehensive demolition and rebuild will provide modern indoor and outdoor facilities to meet the needs of the pupils now and in the future.

The approved development proposes the demolition of the existing school building on site, and the development would involve the construction of a one-storey school building. The demolition of the existing school and replacement school delivery will be phased, to allow the pupils to remain on site in the existing building whilst the new school is built. The remainder of the site would deliver sports pitches, landscaping, play areas and the installation of a multi-use games area for the benefit of the current and future pupils, and a reconfiguration of the existing car parking.

DWD led on the planning from pre-application stage through to determination, which included engagement with Dover District Council prior to the application submission and during the determination period. DWD worked closely with the project team, including Bond Bryan architects, the energy consultant, transport consultant and Baxall Construction. Permission was granted under delegated powers in April 2023.

DWD is now advising on the discharge of condition applications and providing planning input to support the delivery of the new school by September 2024.