HARTFORD High School is hoping to ditch its split-site layout, having lodged plans to build a new block adjacent to the existing western block.

The school wants to build a new three-storey block close to the main entrance nearer Chester Road, and then demolish the existing western ‘cluster’.

Plans represent a final move away from the original separate girls’ school and boys’ school, which merged in 1978.

The two blocks are currently 400m apart, and it is hoped that the new build would enable a ‘campus feel’.

A statement accompanying the planning application, lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Locating the new building on the west campus improves the existing ‘split-school site’ conditions, which currently impact travel time between classes for students and staff.

“As well as improving time-table efficiency, the proposed single site will also enhance ease of supervision and offer an overall school site more able to adapt to future curriculum changes through improved flexibility of potential departmental locations across both large teaching blocks.

“As the majority of the school accommodation is dispersed from each other with buildings being located at different extremes of the site the new build will enable the majority of the buildings to be located closer together and give the school a campus feel.

“This will also provide a safe and secure learning environment to support staff and students in maintaining high levels of performance.”

Subjects set to relocate include science, technology and drama, as well as a dining area and sports hall. Demolition would not start until the new block was built and in use.

The Church of England high school, which is currently around 150 students short of its 1,050 capacity, specialises in sport and would see enhanced facilities as a result of the change.

While the proposed new-build site is classed as a playing field, planners say Sport England are satisfied that – following demolition on the eastern site – a similar sized area will become available.

Parking and access routes will be retained.

Comments remain open on the statutory CWAC public consultation.