Great crested newts delay expansion plans at Cambourne Village College
Great crested newts have caused a delay to expansion plans at Cambourne Village College.
The new wing of the college was due to be ready for the new term in September, but will now open in January 2020 so that the newts - a protected species - can be moved.
Four mobile classrooms will be used in the meantime, and the delay will have no impact on September admissions.
Stephen Munday, chief executive of The Cam Academy Trust, which runs the school, said: “The Cam Academy Trust and Cambourne Village College are committed to provide high-quality education for the community of Cambourne.
“We recognise that this will mean expanding provision as the community continues to develop further in the future. We will work with all relevant parties, including the local authority and the office of the regional schools commissioner, in order to ensure that this happens for the benefit of Cambourne and all of its residents.”
The temporary classrooms will be sited on the eastern side of the college, between the delivery yard and the music block.
Once completed the new wing will provide two further science laboratories, art, photography and DT workshops, a business studies suite, general classrooms and additional dining facilities, providing significant extra space as the college expands.
A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “Good progress is being made under the guidance of an ecologist and with supervision from Natural England to move great crested newts, a protected species, found at the site to a suitable alternative habitat.
“The council is committed to preserving local wildlife and decided to delay the building works to allow the great crested newts to be moved safely.”
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