I am satisfied that Policy KN2 has been sufficiently well developed in
collaboration with all parts of the community and represents a Place Based
approach that I can fully support without further modification.

Providing the very best possible effective education in 21st Century buildings on a magnificent site fit for purpose without having to battle
conditions in ageing premises. Modern facilities designed around the
needs of young people. The plan prevents having to spend huge sums
on catch up on old school buildings and facilitates buildings and
facilities where young peoples all important education will create the
best possible surroundings within which learning and teaching can
blossom;
 Provide opportunities for all children to develop to their full potential and
are prepared for the challenges of school and beyond meeting the
educational needs of both primary and secondary pupils in the
settlement in a single location, utilising shared and modern facilities in a
safe and pleasant learning environment. Three purposes – empowering
young people to succeed in the economy, participate in culture, and
leave school prepared for adult life – have consistently guided the
government’s programme for reform which this new provision
champions;
 Presents a higher quality educational design without compromises in
final design as opposed to upgrading one school. Higher energy

efficiency and lower maintenance costs purpose built educational
setting to replace the out-dated, ageing fabric of the existing Arden
Academy, much of which is increasingly expensive to maintain and
service, energy inefficient, has poor infrastructure and a lack of
community facilities hampering involvement of the wider community;
 Present improved and modern infrastructure that will support education
and increase opportunities for pupils at all stages of their learning, as
well as providing better sport, leisure and learning facilities that can be
used and enjoyed by the wider community;
 An extended pool of staff expertise is of a huge value and will offer a
teaching environment where there are more styles, approaches and
levels of experience. The finest staff will be attracted to apply for
positions and there will be a very wide range of opportunities for staff to
develop their careers on site having increased access to promotion
therefore learning will be enriched. Access to state of the art facilities
will help in increasing the reputation of provision and attract staff,
potential pupils and their families;
 Be located away from Station Road with the main vehicular access
taken from Warwick Road. This will displace school traffic away from
Station Road, improving highway safety, reducing traffic congestion and
alleviating parking problems;
 Provide a safer environment when travelling to and from school, with
good pedestrian and cycling connectivity from both within and through
the site to the schools;
 Allow the release of the existing Arden school site to provide for new
residential development on the most accessible and sustainable parts
of the Arden Triangle site, near to village centres and public transport
links. The proposals will provide a mix of market and affordable homes,
including smaller homes for young people and specialist housing to
meet the needs of older people. This will also help regenerate Knowle
and our wider local community by supporting local businesses seeking
increased footfall along the high street to maintain economic strength
and viability.
I confirm that I fully support Policy KN2 – South of Knowle (Arden Triangle)
and believe it meets the Tests of Soundness and is compliant with relevant
legislation. I have arrived at these conclusions as follows:
Soundness and Legal Compliance:
The Policy KN2 Concept Masterplan follows a Placed Based approach and I
believe will benefit all parts of the local community over the term of the Local
Plan and beyond. The proposed Concept Masterplan is the outcome of a
lengthy collaborative approach involving landowners, Arden Academy,
parents, students, and many members of the local community who, alongside
the Council, have sought to establish a Place-Based concept masterplan that
all parties can support in principle, as an effective solution to meeting the
needs of the whole community. In my view, this open and collaborative
approach to the production of the Policy KN2 Concept Masterplan meets the
required tests of soundness and legal compliance.