AN OVER-SUBSCRIBED high school is set to expand after plans to build a new teaching block were given the green light.

Early this year, Hartford CoE High School submitted proposals to Cheshire West and Chester Council for a new block to house eight classrooms.

The plans also include extension and remodelling works to the school's main car park.

After approval was granted on November 22, the scheme will now see admissions at the school increase from 210 to 240 and the net capacity increase from 1,050 to 1,200. 

According to a design and access statement, prepared by Cassidy & Ashton on behalf of the school, the new block is key to the school's continued operation.

It stated: "The school is popular and successful with a Good Ofsted rating. The school is currently over-subscribed in all year groups and there is rising demand in the locality, in line with significant housing development.

"The proposed works at Hartford Church of England High School are fundamental to its continued operation, increasing the provision of teaching spaces to accommodate increasing pupil numbers.

"Due to the ongoing capacity issues at the school, an increased provision of teaching spaces is vital in successfully managing its operation now and into the future.

"The proposals therefore represent development which is fundamental to the ongoing operation of this education facility."

The new teaching block would house eight classrooms, two offices, a small group room, a staff workroom, toilets, teaching stores, plant and circulation.

The car park extension will increase the parking capacity at the main car park from 36 (plus two accessible spaces) to 66 (plus two accessible and five EV points).

The design and access statement adds: "The block is proposed on a vacant parcel of land in the far western corner of the site, adjacent to the main pupil entrance, art block and rear service road.

"The new built development is therefore well related to the existing flow of pupils within the site.

"Siting the new build in this location enables its construction away from the central operation of the school, thus limiting disruption during construction."

For more details on the plans, search reference 22/01939/FUL on the council's online planning portal.