Over the past few weeks there have been several concerns raised by locals after it was found that the newly-built Launceston Primary School was scheduled for demolition. 

At the end of February many Launceston residents were shocked to receive a letter from Cornwall Council offering an update to the partially-built Launceston Primary School on Long Field Road. The letter explained that “a “Demolition counter Notice” has been served upon the application and the person intending to carry out the demolition”.

Unsurprisingly, residents were concerned that a structure which had only recently started development was now destined to be destroyed, but with week’s having passed and no further information, the main question for local residents remains, “why?”

In the hunt for answers, the Post contacted the Department for Education (DfE), and when asked why the school was now marked for demolition, despite only recently being built, a spokesperson for DfE said: “The main contractor originally appointed by DfE unexpectedly went into administration in March 2022, leaving several construction issues that do not comply with the DfE’s strict construction standards.

“Detailed surveys of the buildings have been completed to identify the extent of these issues and a plan of action has been agreed with the replacement main contractor to rectify and complete the works and ensure that the new building is fully compliant with the DfE’s strict quality and safety requirements.

“Works are anticipated to be complete in Summer 2024.”

The Post also enquired as to the funds which had been spent constructing the building which was now to be wasted as the project starts from scratch once again, however the Department for Education declined to comment. 

What do you think about the plans to demolish the school? Send us a letter to: [email protected]