School in Truro submits plans for new building to cope with rising demand
Penair says it would include 10 new classrooms and extend the existing dining facilities
A secondary school has submitted plans for a new building which will provide 10 new classrooms to cope with rising demand.
Penair School in Truro has applied for a certificate of lawfulness for the new teaching block which would be built under permitted development rights.
As well as providing new classrooms the development would also extend existing dining facilities at the school.
In a justification statement submitted with the application it explains that it was hoped that the new building could be in place by September 2022 and allow the school to increase student capacity from 1,200 to 1,350.
The plans would see a single storey block with 10 new classrooms and a single storey extension to the school’s dining room. Replacement parking spaces would also be provided for those displaced by the new development.
As part of the development the school is also looking to demolish and remove two dilapidated temporary huts and a greenhouse to make way for the new classroom block. A “limited number” of trees would also be removed.
The statement explains that: “The proposed works must be completed by September 2022 to accommodate Cornwall Council Education Department’s projected growth in required pupil places".
Penair headteacher James Davidson previously wrote to parents announcing the plans for the new classroom block.
He said: “This proposal gives us a real opportunity to grow the school and move us forward in terms of our strategic vision and plans".
And he added: “As a school we are also attracting significant numbers of children from the north coast who are enriching our school community. Due to increased numbers of children, plans have been approved by the Department for Education to build a new secondary school on the north coast between St Agnes and Newquay. This is only part of the solution.
“Cornwall Council are aware that there are bulge year groups coming through the school system over the next few years and the increase in house building in Cornwall, but specifically Newquay and Truro, is creating pressure on school places in both the short, medium and long term".
Mr Davidson added: “Penair has been approached by the council as a preferred site for expansion, which we believe recognises not only the space available, but the current popularity enjoyed by the school.
“We are excited about the prospect of a new building providing teachers and support staff with excellent facilities to further enhance the experience of school for our young people".