The Westerton Primary School project team recently held in person engagement sessions. All the information shared at these sessions is now on this page including designs and details on how to contact the project team.
The two options are as follows:
- Option 1: Redevelop the existing school site and deliver a new primary school with early years facility on the current site at Crarae Avenue, which includes a decant process.
- Option 2: Relocation of the school to land at Westerton Park, alongside the provision of new early years, library, and community spaces.
Information gathered at this stage will be presented to East Dunbartonshire’s Council Committee later in the year to consider both options. At this Committee, a decision will be taken as to the next steps.
This Exhibition forms part of the early-stage Feasibility Study engagement process. It is not part of a formal planning application and looks to provide information on the process and answer any initial questions. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the project and aspirations for the project.
Option 1 – Redevelop the Existing Site to Provide a new Primary School and Early Years, with Temporary Decant of the School to an Alternative Site
The existing school at Crarae Avenue is surrounded by residential development and mature tree planting. There are no restrictive land use policies which cover the site, however a number of trees within the site are covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and a green network access link is identified at the southern edge of the school grounds.
The site is bound to the west by the Westerton Garden Suburb Conservation Area (CA). The CA also contains several listed buildings, with those nearest site being largely Category-C listed. Beyond the site, a Conservation Area and Nationally
Important Garden and Designed Landscape lie to the immediate west, while a housing allocation lies to the south-east.
Any proposed development will be mindful of the adjacent built and natural heritage assets. Additionally, the overall design approach would take cognisance of the local architecture and look to positively compliment these features.
As part of this feasibility study appraisal, we have considered how we maintain the education delivery of the existing school. Therefore, as part of this site option a temporary decant facility will be required, as the existing site does not have the additional area required to allow a tandem build option. For details of the potential location of the decant facility refer to the diagrams below.
The site of the decant facility is likely to be within the existing Westerton Park, however this is still to be confirmed.
Option 2 – Redevelop Westerton Primary School, with a new Community Hall and Library at Westerton Park
The land at Westerton Park is located off Maxwell Avenue and includes a green space area, play park and the Westerton Hall and Library with associated car park. To the north of the site lies sports and community facilities including Westerton Bowling Club and Westerton Tennis Club. To the south of the site is tree planting, beyond which is the railway line.
The surrounding area to the North-East of the site forms Scotland's first 'Garden City' the Westerton Garden Suburb Conservation Area, which contains several listed buildings, typically classed as Category C.
It is worth highlighting for this site option, a decant of the existing School population will not be necessary as the school remains in operation.
In our approach to analysing the site as a potential location for the project, we have to consider the East Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan (LDP) Policy 13: Community Facilities and Open Space which resists development that will result in the loss of outdoor sports facilities. This policy dictates that suitable replacement and enhanced facilities are provided in an accessible location.
The policy position is further strengthened through the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Policy 21. This requires any loss of outdoor sports provision to be replaced by an enhanced offer within close proximity to the site. NPF4 Policy 15 Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods, however, supports development proposals that contribute to local living and local access to schools and recreational facilities, all of which will be considered fully during the feasibility process.
School Engagement
Understanding the Stars and Wishes for the future of their School.
Stars – What do you like about this place? 
- A fun place
- Nice teachers
- Litter pickers
- Kind people
- Trim trail
- Trees!
- The jellyfishes
- The playground
- Learning!
- Three ways to come into the school
- Good views of Westerton
- One building
- More toilets
- Private space for when you are sad
- More options for learning
- More beanbags and comfy chairs
- Reduce indoor noise
- Colourful - inside and out
- Pupils help with design
- Access to nearby pitch
Wishes – What are your hopes for the future?
- Bigger stage
- More trees
- More space and more hard floors
- Swings!!!
- More playground play items
- Area for yoga class
- Loving and kind people
- More greenery inside
- Separate lunch hall and PE space
- A welcome office at the front door
- Walls and doors
- A glass tube from upstairs to downstairs
- Bigger classrooms/ learning spaces
- Sofas in the library
- Water fountains
- Luxury school
- STEM spaces
- Soft play room
- Big windows
- Main office at front door
Site Constraint Analysis
Site Plans
Indicative zoning on the site plan shows the existing building footprint, the potential building footprint, and the optimum new build location.
Demolitions
Demolitions on existing site required - existing school and annex to be demolished as part of construction process, prior to new build works.
Site boundaries/level changes
Site constraints, boundaries and level changes.
It's important to recognise the site level changes and the engineering works required.
Available Space
The available space includes a steep level change, existing trees, roots and hardstanding. In order to progress works on this site the existing school population will need to be decanted to another site via the strategy below.
Option 1 - Concept A - Redevelop Westerton Primary on the Existing Site and Decant Pupils
Option 1 - Concept B - Redevelop Westerton Primary on the Existing Site and Decant Pupils
• Site accommodation and welfare facilities will need to be provided. The location needs to be considered and the use of future soft landscaping areas will be investigated for viability.
• A gateman will be located at the point of access to the school grounds off Crarae Avenue to direct all traffic in to the project.
• The gateman will guide all construction traffic back onto Crarae Avenue.
• There will be one point of access and egress to the site which will be controlled at all times.
• A turning circle will be provided on site for all construction vehicles.
• Temporary car parking will be provided for visitors to the project. We will encourage car sharing and the use of mini buses by the supply chain for site operatives to reduce day-to-day construction traffic.
Site Constraint Analysis
Site Plan
Indicative zoning on site plan, showing the two potential building footprints.
Demolitions
Demolitions on new site at Westerton Park required - Community Hall and Library building.
Site Boundaries/ Level Changes
Site constraint and boundaries.
Available Space
The available space includes a level change at the play park and car park edge. Beyond that there is open green space and an established tree boundary with roots to be considered. No decant of the existing school is required, however, public access to the site will be reduced
Option 2 - Concept A - Relocate Westerton Primary to Westerton Park
Option 2 - Concept B - Relocate Westerton Primary to Westerton Park
- Site accommodation and welfare facilities will be installed on a proposed landscaped area as shown on the mark up.
- A gateman will be located at the point of access on Maxwell Avenue to direct all traffic in and out of the project.
- There will be one point of access and egress to the project which will be controlled at all times.
- A turning circle will be provided on site for all construction vehicles.
- Temporary car parking will be provided for visitors to the project however alternative off site parking to accommodate the project at it’s peak will be explored further. We will encourage car sharing and the use of mini buses by the supply chain for site operatives.
- A strict traffic management plan will be implemented and adhered to which will control the flow of traffic within Westerton and along Maxwell Avenue. This also assists with controlling the volume of construction traffic arriving and leaving the project at any one time.
- This proposal will involve closing the car park for the existing nursery hall and library during the construction of the new building. However, it allows the pathway between the bowling club and tennis courts to the existing library hall and nursery to be kept open to the public.
- The access to the play-park from Westerton Park would be closed during construction, however, we will review the potential for an alternative accessible entry point
.
Option 1 – Redevelop the Existing Site to Provide a new Primary School and Early Years, with Temporary Decant of the School to an Alternative Site
Advantages
- The existing land use on the site is maintained as Education focused. This accords with Policy 9 of NPF4, which gives direct support for the sustainable reuse of brownfield land and East Dunbartonshire LDP Policy 3.CF which seeks to enhance existing community facilities.
- Established natural habitat for learning and play opportunities.
- Following removal of decant school provision, Westerton Park will return to an open use space.
- The new building will offer more inclusive and accessible opportunities indoors and outdoors for pupils in comparison to the existing school building.
Disadvantages
- A decant facility would be required, likely on Westerton Park resulting in limited use of the park until the existing site is redeveloped and operational.
- Additionally, a decant facility would result in a disruption to children’s education.
- The decant provision will also incur a cost which will impact the overall project budget.
- Given the shape of the existing site and levels challenges, there are significant design challenges to deliver modern educational facilities and ensuring inclusive access in and around the building.
Option 2 – Redevelop Westerton Primary School, with a new Community Hall and Library at Westerton Park
Advantages
- Location within the centre of the community, with good visual approach signifying arrival into the area.
- Having the redeveloped primary school, library, community hall and other recreational facilities within the one building would create a community campus – improving access to services for the local area.
- Co-locating the community facilities and education provisions into a single low carbon/energy building (rather than being spread across multiple sites) will enhance the overall energy efficiency.
- There is an opportunity to enhance the provision of community / sports facilities for the wider community with access to shared internal and external spaces.
Disadvantages
- No access to Westerton Park until the new facilities at the former primary school (A New Westerton Park, see below) are installed and operational due to on site activity.
- Change in levels from Maxwell Avenue to the park level will need to be addressed from an inclusive access and use perspective.
- During construction, car park will be out of use and access to play park via stairs only. Temporary access solutions will need to be investigated further by the design team.
- Development of the site will be a material change of use of Westerton from the current park and open space planning designations.
A New Westerton Park: Initial Ideas
Creating a new green space provides opportunities to:
- Work with the terrain
- A place to walk, enjoy views and play
- Enhance woodland character
- Increase green connections
- Open out the footpath network
Removing the School
Demolitions of the existing school will provide a substantial area of new space on the site for green space.
Expanding Connections
The site can be opened out to expand the existing local footpath network, providing greater accessibility and encouraging active travel.
Embrace the Setting
The site provides an opportunity to expand the area for green space, planting and recreational activities, and enjoyment of the view.
Expanding Green Network
Enhancing the site as a green space will improve local green infrastructure connections and the new site is an opportunity to introduce new planting, habitat and increase biodiversity.
Introduction
Dougall Baillie Associates have completed a flood risk assessment (FRA) to help inform the design and support any future planning application.
The Flood Risk Assessment reviews the flood risk at the site and outlines any mitigation measures required to ensure that the proposed development is not at an unacceptable risk of flooding and will not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere in accordance with current planning policy.
Appropriate legislative frameworks, guidance and documentation were considered whilst developing the Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy. The National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) was introduced in February 2023 by the Scottish Ministers and now supersedes all previous guidance outlined in National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) and Scottish Planning Policy (SPP)
Current best practice recommends, and planning advice requires that all new developments should be free from significant flood risk from any source and should not materially increase the probability of flooding elsewhere. For the purposes of these development options the existing flood risk has been considered from the following sources: –
- Coastal Flooding
- Fluvial Flooding
- Canal Flooding
- Pluvial Flooding and Overland Flows
- Groundwater Flooding
The FRA is the first step in the design process for this type of development. Through detailed discussions with Scottish Water, the design team will develop the best possible discharge option from the site.
For the surface water, Scottish Water policy must be followed and no discharge to the combined sewer will be permitted unless other viable options are ruled out. The potential options will be reviewed with Scottish Water to allow the design team to develop the best option for the site.
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems will have to be implemented within the site regardless of the site discharge proposal to support water quality, water quantity, amenity, and biodiversity. These will be looked at in detail in future design phases of the project.
A Pre-Development Enquiry will need to be submitted to Scottish Water to confirm available capacity within their system and notify if a Drainage Impact Assessment needs to be carried out on the existing sewer network.
Site One – Westerton Primary School
The site is occupied by the current Westerton Primary School buildings and associated access, vehicle parking, playgrounds, and open space. The site is bound:
- To the north by an area of open public green space.
- To the east by rear gardens of properties associated with Crarae Avenue.
- To the south and west by a small tree belt and rear gardens of properties associated with Maxwell and Stirling Avenue
There are no open watercourses near the development site, however the site falls within the natural drainage catchment of the Garscadden Burn which forms from a small drainage ditch located approx. 330m west of the development between Allander Road and the railway line. Additionally, the Forth and Clyde Canal is located approx. 170m to the south.
The Flood Risk Assessment indicates that the site is not at significant risk of flooding from any sources considered. Reference should be made to the SEPA flood maps.
The proposed development at the site will not be at an unacceptable risk of flooding and will not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.
Site Two – Westerton Park
The site is located off Maxwell Avenue and is occupied by the Community Hall and Library Building with associated access and vehicle parking in the east with a play park and recreation ground comprising the remainder of the development site. The site is bound:
- To the north by a bowling green and tennis courts.
- To the east by Maxwell Avenue.
- To the south and west by a railway line.
The development site falls within the natural drainage catchment of the Garscadden Burn which forms from a small drainage ditch located some 110m west of the development site between Allander Road and the railway line. The drainage ditch flows in a westerly direction before entering a culvert beneath the railway line.
A review of Scottish Water Asset plans for the area notes that the culvert flows in a general southernly direction for before re-emerging into open channel approximately 900m southwest of the site at Paladin Avenue. Additionally, the Forth and Clyde Canal is located approximately 140m to the south.
The Flood Risk Assessment indicates that the site is not at significant risk of flooding from any sources considered. Reference should be made to the SEPA flood maps. The proposed development at the site will not be at an unacceptable risk of flooding and will not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.
Contact Us
Please send any feedback or comments via email.
Email - westertonschoolproject@stantec.com
Phone - Stantec Edinburgh on 01313354200
Please ask us any questions, we look forward to hearing from you.
