Joint statement from Newport City Council and head teacher of Duffryn High School
Posted on Wednesday 17th February 2016
Newport City Council has today met with Jon Wilson the head teacher of Duffryn High School and representatives of the Welsh Medium Secondary School to discuss the proposal to resubmit a planning application for a new Welsh medium secondary school on the site in Duffryn Way.
The mood of the meeting was very amicable and all parties agreed it was the way forward for everyone concerned .
It is stressed that this resubmission and redetermination is no reflection on the correctness of the earlier decision taken by the planning committee, based on planning officer advice.
However it was decided that in view of the significance of this application in terms of educational need and the wider strategic development of the Duffryn area, it was considered appropriate and more democratic for all councillors to take collective responsibility for this decision.
Mr Wilson, speaking after the meeting, said: “This was a very amicable and productive meeting and it is encouraging for the development. I look forward to working together with Newport City Council for a positive outcome.”
Council leader Bob Bright said the decision to resubmit the application was no reflection on the planning committee members or the planning department.
“It is right that all councillors will now have the chance to discuss the application and have the right to vote on it,” he said.
The fresh application is due to be heard by councillors at a meeting in May.