Bolton school extension planned
A rural primary school has applied for permission to build an extension.
The plans have been entered in regard to Bolton Primary School in the village of Bolton near Appleby-in-Westmorland.
If approved, they would see a single storey extension to the existing building built, providing ‘additional teaching space’ and improved access ‘around and into the building’.
The extension would consist of a new classroom, an ‘improved’ main entrance and a corridor running the length of the school hall.
The small, rural primary school serves 56 pupils from ages four to 11.
The design and access statement reads: “The scale has been carefully considered to provide the required additional teaching and support space, integrate with the existing building and maintain appropriate outdoor play areas.”
The author added that the extension represents a ‘modest and proportionate addition’ to the existing school.
They also proposed using materials such as stone-faced blockwork and slate or slate-effect roofing to ‘reflect the local vernacular’ and ensure ‘visual continuity’.
The existing playground and landscaped areas would be ‘largely retained’ as part of the proposals, but the author of the report said landscaping such as replacement planting, hard surfacing to connect the new building to pathways and boundary treatments may have to be taken out.
The statement reads that ‘sustainable design principles’ were included, such as energy-efficient building materials, high levels of insulation and a potential for low-energy lighting and heating systems.
The author said in their conclusion: “The proposed extension to Bolton Primary School has been carefully designed to provide additional educational accommodation while respecting the character of the existing building and the surrounding village.
“The proposal: supports the continued operation of a valued community school, integrates sensitively with the existing building and site and maintains accessibility and safe movement throughout the site and represents an appropriate and proportionate development.
“It is therefore considered that the proposal complies with relevant planning policies and should be supported.”