PLANS have been submitted to replace temporary classrooms at a Somerset school, which are in 'poor condition' and are 'impacting on teaching and learning'.

The scheme, submitted on behalf of the Clevedon Learning Trust, would see a temporary two-classroom block at Woolavington Primary School demolished, and replaced with a new building.

It has been submitted to Sedgemoor District Council by Futures for Somerset Ltd and is described as a 'high priority' development.

"Temporary Classroom unit TA has reached the end of its economic life," the application says.

Bridgwater Mercury: POOR CONDITION: The school is unable to provide a consistently warm, dry and safe learning environment for its pupils in these classrooms

"The proposed project to replace this unit is seen as a high priority of need due to its poor condition which is impacting on teaching and learning at the School.

"The trust/school is unable to provide a consistently warm, dry and safe learning environment for its pupils while this urgent high priority condition need remains outstanding.

"The Clevedon Learning Trust propose to demolish and replace unit TA with a new modern fit for purpose two classroom block with toilets."

It adds that the new building will be slightly larger than the temporary classrooms, to enable social distancing between pupils, which are 'currently difficult to achieve'.

The application details faults with the current buildings, which are degrading and argues the scheme should be allowed under 'permitted development'.

"There will be no increase in staff or pupil numbers; this is a straightforward urgent replacement of a life expired temporary classroom unit and not an expansion project," it adds.

A decision on the plan is expected in the coming weeks.

For more details, and to comment on the application, log on to www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/planning and search for application reference 54/21/00009.