Decision to be made on £3m project at Sutton Coldfield schools amid concerns over roof corrosion

Birmingham City Council’s cabinet is to make a decision on a £3 million project for two schools in Sutton Coldfield amid concerns about roof corrosion. Buildings at Coppice and Langley Special primary schools had more leaks due to significant corrosion in some areas, a council report said.

He said patch repairs were made to localized areas of the roofs, but they did not appear to fix the problem and the leaks continued. An investigation found that ventilation under the zinc roofs was insufficient and led to condensation building up, causing corrosion.

Langley is a special primary school which moved to its purpose-built site, shared with Coppice, in 2009. At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday 14 May, councilors will decide whether to approve project costs to repair the roof and replace the cladding at the two schools.

READ MORE: A huge step forward for Smithfield’s plan to transform Birmingham city centre

The report says project costs will not exceed £3,197,981. “Various areas of cladding are defective and rainwater ingress is entering the voids of the building,” it said.

“There is a requirement for roof work on these buildings to be undertaken to ensure a safe environment for student education.” According to the report, the “do nothing” option would mean the city council would not comply. its statutory duty to maintain the school and provide a “safe, secure and warm environment” for pupils and staff.

“The recommended option is for the project costs to be approved and work undertaken to enable the school to ensure that children and young people have an appropriate and safe space in which to learn, grow and develop,” it continued. Teachers and governors at Coppice and Langley Special Primary schools were consulted and fully supported the scheme.

Keep up to date with all the latest politics news with our politics newsletter. You can sign up for free here to receive stories straight to your inbox to read at a time convenient for you.