PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Parkfield School Christchurch (1 July 2015)

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the estimated cost to the public purse is of the one year delay in Parkfield School being able to move to a new site at Hurn; and if she will make a statement.

Asked by:
Sir Christopher Chope (Conservative)

We do not expect there to be any cost to the public purse as a result of the one year delay in Parkfield School being able to move to the new site at Hurn.

The Education Funding Agency first became aware that the Hurn site is a habitat for bats in June 2015. A full site bat survey was not undertaken prior to the purchase of the Hurn site for Parkfield School as these are usually undertaken by contractors as part of the design and planning permission process.

Initial findings indicate that the Common Pipistrelle bat is the emergent species. Local activity of Soprano Pipistrelle and Noctule bats has also been observed.

The bat surveys were undertaken as soon as it became evident they were necessary and completed last week. The survey information is currently being analysed and the final results of the surveys are expected in the next few weeks. An application to Natural England for bat removal licences will be made after planning approval is granted. Subject to planning approval the licences could be available towards the end of this year. Bat boxes will then be provided at agreed locations across the site prior to the demolition works commencing.

Answered by:
Edward Timpson (Conservative)
6 July 2015