West London School Demolition Finally Approved After Government Delay
The demolition of a 1950s West London primary school and its replacement with a state-of-the-art educational facility alongside 91 new flats has received the crucial green light from the Government, ending months of bureaucratic delays. The redevelopment of Avonmore Primary School on Avonmore Road, initially approved by Hammersmith and Fulham Council in November 2024, required additional sign-off from the Department for Education (DfE) due to the construction of housing on school land.
Government Approval Secured After Months of Uncertainty
Following persistent inquiries by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) and a Freedom of Information request, it was revealed that the DfE issued a decision letter granting approval in December. This confirmation has allowed the council to proceed with its ambitious timeline, with demolition works now expected to commence this summer. A council webpage has been updated to reflect this progress, marking a significant milestone for the project.
A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council expressed enthusiasm, stating: "We are excited to start rebuilding Avonmore Primary School to create the new, state-of-the-art learning spaces that both pupils and teachers deserve, especially with new facilities for pupils with special educational needs."
Project Details and Community Impact
The redevelopment will see the construction of a new primary school, complete with a nursery and playground, replacing the existing Avonmore facilities. Additionally, 91 flats will be built on-site, with approximately half designated as affordable housing. This initiative is part of the council's Community Schools Programme, launched in 2019, which aims to use funds generated from housing developments on school sites to revitalize primary schools across the borough.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council serves as both the developer and freeholder of the entire site, ensuring direct oversight of the project. However, the proposal has not been without controversy. During the planning stages, the application received 76 objections, and concerns were raised by various stakeholders.
Controversies and Objections
- Historic England expressed concerns about the potential loss of Gordon Cottage, a 19th-century building on the site, though it did not formally object.
- David Tarsh, representing the Avonmore Residents' Association, criticized the council for allegedly failing to adhere to its own consultation guidelines, citing a lack of proper resident involvement.
- Richard Farthing, former Chair of the Hammersmith Society, questioned the inclusion of private homes on school land, describing the project as "not a great project" and arguing that it involves taking public land for private gain.
Despite these objections, the Planning and Development Control Committee approved the submission in late 2024, with only Conservative councillor Adrian Pascu-Tulbure voting against it.
Timeline and Next Steps
With the DfE's approval now secured, the council has published a detailed timeline for the project:
- The contractor is scheduled to take over the site in April.
- Demolition works are set to begin in July or August.
- The main school building is anticipated to be completed by summer 2028, allowing pupils and staff to return.
- The new homes are expected to be ready by winter 2028.
In preparation for the redevelopment, Avonmore staff and pupils have already relocated to the former Queensmill School on Mund Street. The council spokesperson added, "We have a strong record of educational success in Hammersmith and Fulham with some of the highest performing schools in the country. And we're building a record amount of affordable homes locally."
This project represents a significant step in the borough's efforts to enhance educational infrastructure while addressing housing needs, despite the debates surrounding land use and community consultation.
