PLANS to build a new three-storey block at Hartford High School, bringing with it a ‘campus feel’, have been resubmitted to the council.

The school wants to demolish all but one of the existing eastern buildings, relocating facilities such as science, technology and drama, as well as a dining area and sports hall, to the western cluster.

A previous similar application was withdrawn following concerns from residents of neighbouring Carriage Drive that the new school building would overlook their homes.

A statement accompanying the plans, lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Following comments received to the original application, the scheme has now been amended to pull the higher part of the building away from the properties which face out onto the school.

“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.

“Locating the new school on the west campus improves the existing ‘split school site’ conditions which currently impact travel time between classes for students and staff.”

Demolition would not start until the new building was complete.

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 ‘positively contribute to the school ethos’.

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.