HARTFORD Manor Community Primary School is earmarked for a major revamp including the replacement of ageing mobile classroom blocks.

The school was built in 1972, and two second-hand mobile buildings were acquired to address the school’s earlier expansion.

However they are now ‘significantly beyond their useful economic life,’ and are due to be replaced with a new two-storey eight-classroom block and link corridor to the main school.

In addition it is intended to refurbish the remaining areas of the school building, including extending the hall, as well as moving the main entrance to the school from the south east corner to the south west.

Planned external works involve the creation of new disabled access and parking, the reopening and improved use of the turning circle to the west of the site and the creation of 28 new staff and visitor parking spaces in the school grounds.

A planning application for the scheme has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

In a report accompanying the application AB Architecture Ltd said: “The second-hand mobiles were in a state of some disrepair when they were installed, and are now significantly beyond their useful economic life.

“The current school buildings have been the subject of some upgrading during the past three years, but pressure on places is causing significant strain on classrooms, hall and circulation areas.

“Following detailed consultation with local stakeholders including the parish council, civic society, Hartford Neighbourhood Plan Group, St John’s Church and Cheshire West and Chester Council, a detailed feasibility study was completed.

“As a result substantial support for the proposed improvement of the school was received, and the newly-improved school will help to meet local educational needs and will continue to be an important feature within the Hartford Educational Campus.”

The proposals for the turning circle would enable parents to temporarily park in a safe drop-off zone, which will have two sections - parking bays for parents with very young children who need to be accompanied to the school gates or entrances, and drop-off and collection points for children who can make their way to parents’ or carers’ vehicles.

The turning circle would be manned at the start and end of the school day, and a new access road would be created to enable emergency vehicles to access all areas of the school.

Plans have been agreed to maintain safety on site and avoid disruption during the works.