A CHARD primary school has submitted plans to replace a temporary classroom building with a two-classroom extension to its main building.

Manor Court Community Primary School, which is part of the Preston Primary Academy Trust, has proposed the changes as part of a “multi-phase masterplan to address building condition issues and educational accommodation deficiencies”.

If the application is successful, the “life-expired” temporary building would be demolished and the land grassed over to extend the school's playing field.

A single-storey extension would be built to the rear of the Block B building.

The planning application, submitted by Leaver Consultancy on the trust's behalf, says: “Manor Court CP School has existing classrooms accommodated in a temporary detached building at the rear of the site to the south west.

“The temporary building is life-expired – the buildings cannot be economically refurbished and need to be replaced.

“The proposal is to demolish the temporary building and provide an extension to the original school building to ensure that education provision can continue to be provided.

“The proposed extension comprises two modern classrooms that meet the Department for Education’s Building Bulletin 103 standards.

“The classrooms each include a sink, storage cupboard and a cloak area.”

It adds: “This phase of the masterplan addresses building condition issues and overall there is a small decrease in building area.

“The proposal is supported by the Department for Education through Condition Improvement Funding for academy schools.

“In the long term, the proposed development is integral to Preston Primary Academy Trust’s drive to continue to improve standards.”

Pupils will be able to “move safely, securely and internally between their classroom, hall, library and WCs” within the new building.

The classrooms would offer natural light and ventilation through windows and roof lights and would help improve the school's energy efficiency.

The appearance would complement the school's existing architecture and feature brick walls, interlocking flat concrete roof tiles and black metal railings.

There would be no change to the number of pupils (390) or staff members at the school.

Pedestrian access to the main building and the entrance to the staff car park would remain the same.

The application can be viewed on the South Somerset District Council planning portal. The reference number is 22/03092/FUL.