A primary school is to be rebuilt and expanded in order to cope with increasing pressure on pupil places, according to plans submitted by Cambridgeshire County Council.
The authority has lodged an application to rebuild and expand Wyton Primary School, increasing its size by purchasing land from the Ministry of Defence, and adding a pre-school on the site.
According to architects working on the project, Saunders Boston, much of the fabric of the school dates back to the 1960s, with some more modern additions made in 2003.
In a planning statement, Saunders Boston noted: “The school has many problems relating to maintenance, condition and the suitability of the accommodation requiring it to be rebuilt.
“A demographic review highlighted that rising pressure would be brought to bear in the area and that a one-form entry school would not be able to cope with pupil demand, and that in order to cope with demographic pressures, the school has a need to increase by 0.5-form entry, and to introduce a 1.5-form entry early years facility.
“The decision was taken that a new 1.5-form entry primary school and pre-school will be designed and constructed at the site of the existing school.”
The proposed plans include a 1.8metre perimeter security fence around the school site. The architects said that the school would remain open and classes would continue as normal while any potential construction works were taking place at the 2.3-acre site.
A public consultation took place in March and was attended by more than 50 residents, who were given the opportunity to view the plans and have a say.
Saunders Bosted added: “The sustainable and contemporary design makes a positive contribution to the surrounding environment, responding to the clients’ key aspirations, reflecting the rural setting, history and ethos of a family-orientated village school.
“The formal and informal curriculum will be enhanced by the quality of the architecture and landscape to provide a positive learning environment. External spaces built into the design allow children to sociallyinteract in an adaptable and flexible environment.”
To view the plans, or to have a say, log on to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
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