Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet is to discuss a key part of the plan to upgrade Caldicot School as part of the 21st Century Schools strategy. To raise its share of the cost of upgrading the school, cabinet will be recommended to resume the plan to sell a small portion of Caldicot School land for the provision of a new superstore to serve the town.
Cabinet decided in July 2009 to call a halt to the proposal following objections from the school governors and the town council. Now, following recent consultation between MCC, the school governors, the town council, and the town representatives on the county council, Cllr Bob Greenland, deputy leader of the council with responsibility for modernisation, is to recommend to the cabinet the continuation of the planning application for the superstore.
Cllr. Greenland said:
“Having re-consulted it is clear the balance of opinion has changed. We have the support of the school governors and all but one of the town representatives on the county council. The town council wishes to reserve its judgement until the outcome of the 21st. Century School Strategy is known. Unfortunately we can’t wait that long. The land suggested for the superstore is not needed for the replacement school, but the proceeds from the sale of the land are needed as a valuable contribution to a new school if we are to progress to the building stage. Regardless of whether WAG approves our 21st Century Schools application, the fact remains that Caldicot School needs investment and the proceeds from the sale of the land will be ring fenced for educational purposes.
“We also know that the town continues to suffer in the present economic climate and a new superstore would help to bring people back to shop there. I am confident that it is the right decision to move on with the scheme now.”
County Councillor John Marshall, member for the Green Lane ward added:
“Businesses, particularly the small independent ones are struggling, and whilst there are those that still have concerns that a second supermarket is likely to have a detrimental impact on their business, others feel that it will bring and keep more people in the town. I also support the view that a second supermarket is likely to bring much needed employment to the area.”
