St Albans’ Oaklands College submits £13.8 million plan for Smallford Campus

Oaklands College is seeking approval of new plans for its Smallford Campus as it now wants to build a multi-storey teaching block, sports hall and eight sports pitches, including three all-weather ones, at a cost of £13.8 million.

The college was forced to revise plans for the 118-hectare site after funding collapsed for a substantial redevelopment that it was granted permission for in 2009, following a call-in inquiry.

This comprised a college "hub" building of about 32,000 sq m and 62 residential units.

St Albans District Council is now considering the more modest version, with a decision expected by February 6 next year. The Smallford Campus lies within the Green Belt.

The new plan seeks approval for a two-to-three storey teaching block for art, fashion and design, A-level, Access to Higher Education and entry level students who have a range of learning difficulties or disabilities.

Art, fashion and design lessons are currently being held in former construction workshops at the college's St Albans city campus.

Describing its existing sports facilities as "very limited and of poor quality" the college's application said new pitches would enable an extension of its academy programme to include women's rugby.

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