10/12/2008

: Ark Academy consultation extension

We would like to apologise for the delay in sending out letters to residents to consult them on the Ark Academy planned for Wembley park in 2010. The hold up was caused by the sheer volume of post mailed out to residents.

However, residents are free to comment on the planning application 21 days from the date the letter was received, and not the date on the letter. In most cases, this will be until December 8.

This is in order to ensure their views can be incorporated into the committee report and to enable minor changes to the scheme if necessary.

However, in accordance with Brent planning services normal practice, consultation responses will continue to be logged up until the day of the committee which is planned for January 14 2009.

The new academy will offer 1,600 school places for pupils aged 3 to 18 years and will help to provide urgently needed school places in the borough. Reception classes for 60 pupils opened on the site in temporary buildings in September this year.

The permanent plans include building nursery, primary and secondary school classrooms up to four storeys high, a two storey sports/drama hall, three hard play areas, two floodlit sports pitches and outdoor play areas.

Ark Academy is sponsored by children's charity ARK Schools and is being funded by the Department of Children, Schools and Families. It will specialise in mathematics and citizenship, providing top teaching and pupil support across the curriculum.