AQW 17647/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 05/11/2024
Answered On Date: 27/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for his Department's assessment of the accessibility of the proposed site for the new build of Forge Integrated Primary school; and (ii) when the outcome of this assessment will be communicated to the Board of Governors and Principal of the school.

Answer:

I can advise that my department has been consulted on a Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) with proposals to develop the site of the former Knockbreda High School.

My officials have given full consideration to all the options presented, including any potential effect on road safety and traffic progression, and have provided without prejudice, advice and recommendations to the planning authority. My department has engaged positively with the Department for Education during the PAD process and welcomes the development of the site.

At this time, the Department has not been consulted upon an any further proposals through the Planning Authority. However, officials will continue to assess any design proposals and provide advice and recommendations on road safety and traffic progression, as required, as part of the consultation process.

The planning authority has advised that a planning application has yet to be lodged to Belfast City Council in respect of the proposals for a new build of Forge Integrated Primary School.

I can also advise that my officials responded to correspondence from the Principal of Forge Integrated Primary School on 11th December 2023, outlining my Department’s position in relation to the proposed development of the former Knockbreda High School site.