A SCHOOL is looking to build four new classrooms as it looks to replace “dilapidated” temporary ones and improve the teaching environment.

Richard De Clare Primary School, in Parsonage Street, Halstead, has submitted an application to build four new classrooms.

The community academy is a two-form entry mixed primary school for pupils aged three to 11.

The academy is part of the Bridge Academy Trust and as of last November had 352 pupils on the roll with a total capacity of 466.

The plans say: “The existing demountable classrooms to the have reached the end of their economic life and are in poor condition, exhibiting significant defects resulting in a poor environment for teaching.

“Coupled with this, the demountable classrooms are remote from the main building exposing pupils and staff to the elements.

“A viability appraisal was completed late in 2020 by Essex County Council and Section 106 funding has been allocated to the trust to replace the accommodation with a permanent structure.”

The proposal is to provide a “low-lying single-storey building” to the west of the main school building to provide four Key Stage 1 classrooms.

Each classroom would have stores, a sink area, toilet areas and a covered external teaching area.

A covered link is proposed to provide access between the existing and new building.

As part of the proposed works, two-single storey demountable buildings will be demolished to the north of the site.

The planning statement describes these as in a “poor and dilapidated condition and beyond economical repair”.

It says: “The development is essential to replace the dilapidated existing temporary classroom accommodation and provide a suitable teaching environment.

“The proposals have been carefully considered to maximise the accommodation and improve the teaching facilities at the school, in a location that will work best for the operation of the school.

“The proposal has also been designed to minimise the impact on the adjoining conservation area, in particular the view of the western façade of the original Victorian building.”

Halstead Town Council is set to discuss the plans at next week’s meeting.

Braintree Council will have the final say on the proposal.