Mould-ridden school building condemned after 11 years in 'terrible waste of money'
A Lincolnshire school building will need to be torn down and replaced in a situation that has been labelled “outrageous” by councillors.
Design flaws in the two-classroom block at Ancaster Church of England Primary School left the building with rotting timbers and mould, Lincolnshire County Council says.
A lack of maintenance by the school has also invalidated the insurance, making it impossible to recover the costs, council officials say.
The block, which was built in 2015, was shut in May 2024 due to the level of mould, leaving the school near Sleaford relying on mobile classrooms that cost £1,429 per week.
Lincolnshire County Council’s culture and children’s committee said it was “crazy” that no one could be held accountable.
Dave Pennington, head of capital projects, said: “The site is built on a high water table which was not catered for in the design and compromised the building.
“A lack of maintenance by the school has invalidated the council’s option for legal complaints.”
The block had been expected to last up to 25 years, rather than the nine it was in use for.
The cost of the demolition and new construction has been kept confidential by the council for financial reasons.
The committee’s chair, Councillor Brenda Collier, said: “I hope strong lessons are learnt for the sake of the children. It’s such a shame more thought wasn’t put in – what a terrible waste of money.”
Coun Natalie Oliver, the portfolio holder for children, said: “It’s outrageous we find ourselves in this situation due to lack of maintenance.
“Only having condition surveys every five years is short-sighted, and is going to change. I am urging the council to move to bi-annual surveys to stop this happening again.”
Problems with mould and damp in the building were initially blamed on leaking toilets and the roof.
However, investigations found standing water beneath the floors which had entered the timber frame.
Tests in March 2024 found that the level of mould spores in the air meant the classrooms were no longer safe to be used, and students were moved to temporary rooms.
The committee was told that the council had limited powers on how schools maintained their buildings.
Coun Neil Carrey said: “It’s crazy no one can be accountable for this.”
The new block of classrooms is expected to be ready by spring 2027.