An independent school has unveiled plans to build a performing arts centre.

Gosfield School, off Halstead Road, is seeking planning permission from Braintree Council to construct a new hall.

The school says an auditorium is needed not only to offer greater facilities for performing arts students, but also as there are no appropriate facilities for hosting major events and assemblies.

It is hoped the auditorium will have capacity for 350 people and will include a mix of tiered and level seating.

The proposed new hall would be located close to the main school building, which is Grade II listed and was the former home of George Courtauld II.

Designers say they have worked closely with Braintree Council to ensure any impact on the history of the site is minimal.

School principal Guy Martyn said: “The purpose of applying to build a performing arts centre on some unused ground adjacent to our sports hall is three-fold. “Firstly, our current crop of talent deserves a purpose-built space for them to achieve their potential as performers.

“Second, once in place and fully staffed with performing arts professionals, this will provide a unique centre of excellence for talented singers, dancers, musicians and performers, plus engineers and designers, to extend and enhance their talents and expertise

“And thirdly, all pupils, when exposed to the transformative power of the performing arts, grow as a result.

“I am very excited about the life changing potential our new performing arts centre will generate.”