PLANS have been submitted to demolish a Stawley Primary School building as part of a project to upgrade its facilities.

The primary school renovations are part of a £2-million Somerset Council programme to improve the conditions of schools across the county.

Planning for the erection of a single storey school building with two classrooms was approved in November of last year after older facilities were deemed unfit for purpose.

The new school building is currently under construction as part of a phased construction strategy. The proposal was to construct a new, permanent teaching block before the removal of existing buildings, said LED Architects.

A spokesperson for the architecture firm, who are working with Somerset Council on the project, said: “The existing buildings to be demolished consist of a cluster of outdated, temporary buildings, including several covered areas and canopies.

“These temporary units have exceeded their intended design life, are in poor condition, and experience low thermal performance.”

The demolition of the existing school site, alongside the new hard play area, will be replaced with a new hard play area, additional landscaping – including a raised grass amphitheatre - and an enhanced green space.

Chris Hall, the council’s executive director for community, place and economy, shared his concerns for the school, saying: “Condition surveys have identified a significant amount of priority condition issues at Stawley Primary School.

“If these outstanding condition issues are not addressed through this programme, the health and safety risks to pupils, school employees, and visitors will remain unmitigated.

“Well-maintained, ventilated, and comfortable buildings are proven to improve the health and well-being of occupants and increase productivity.”

Two newer classrooms, built in 2016, will remain unaffected by the renovations, and planning officer Denise Todd said there would be an option to later add a third classroom on the north side if needed.