Plans approved by Hartlepool councillors for 'much-needed' extension to Greatham C of E Primary School

Proposals were submitted earlier this year to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department from Greatham C of E Primary School for an extension at the front of their site.

The plans from school bosses stated the extension would be to the existing early learning classroom to support their teaching requirements.

Planners have now approved the proposals, with a report from officer Stephanie Bell noting the proposals are in keeping with the existing school building.

She said: “It is considered that the design and scale of the development is generally in keeping with the existing school.

“As such is it considered that the proposed extension to the school would not adversely affect the character and appearance of the host school building or the visual amenity of the wider area.

“On balance, with regard to the planning considerations including the requirements set out in policies of the Hartlepool Local Plan…the proposed extension to the school is considered to be acceptable .”

A design and access statement previously submitted by Bryal Consultancy, on behalf of the school in Egerton Terrace, claimed the plans will benefit young pupils at the school for years to come.

It said: “It is Greatham Primary School’s intention to add an extension on to their existing building to provide much needed additional space for their early years children.

“Their design consideration is to extend the existing early learning classroom to support their teaching requirements.

“The new space will benefit the children by creating a more formal and quiet area of the foundation stage unit, enabling them to sit at designated tables whilst preparing them for Key Stage One. “

It adds the plans will ensure the school has the resources to fulfil the requirements of their early years children moving forward, which will ‘positively impact the local community and future-proof the facility’.

Plans state the extension will include the repositioning of the main entrance door, which will move forward from its current location to accommodate the extended classroom.

The new extension will use matching brickwork and will adopt a flat roof construction to tie in with the existing building, ensuring minimal visual impact.

The new space will be used by existing staff and children, meaning there will be no additional occupancy, according to the proposals.

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