Tree problem for College building

At this Monday's council meeting Planning Service officials recommended the refusal for the new build on the grounds that a number of 'important' trees would be lost.

It's the latest snag to hit the school build plans - although by no means the worst.

Speaking at Monday's meeting Alderman Sam Gardiner said: "I think a new school is more important than a few trees."

An official from the Planning Service said the department had repeatedly requested information about the trees affected and nothing had come from the applicant - the SELB.

The decision to refuse both the removal of the existing buildings and the replacement building has been deferred and councillors are to meet with the Planning Service over the plans.

The building project has been in the pipeline since the idea was first mooted in 2002.

The 12million scheme had been given the green light, however, funding problems and wrangles in receiving approval from the education department have further delayed the project, which was due to begin in the past year.

Earlier this year the Department of Education said the school 'partially' met criteria for a new build.

Even before public spending cutbacks were announced the project was facing a delay because the Department of Education was concerned over the school's place within the overall plan for controlled education in Lurgan.

It's thought the problem around the trees is a minor hitch that has been ignored because of the more pressing concerns with money and the Department of Education.