Shap Endowed C of E primary school submit extension plans

Shap Endowed C of E Primary has 94 pupils aged between 3 and 11 years currently attending.

The application has been submitted to Westmorland & Furness' planning authority on behalf of the school's governors on May 21. 

The original school building was constructed in the 1860s and has seen a number of significant expansions over the years to accommodate growing pupil numbers.

The most recent expansion took place in 2007. The school itself has most recently been rated 'Good' by Ofsted. 

The proposed single-storey extension will not exceed the ridge height of the original main school building, ensuring minimal impact on the original school structure and neighbouring properties.

The design and access statement reads: "The school’s current main entrance is located within the more recent extension to the existing building and is accessed via the main car park.

"There is currently no secure entrance lobby into the school.

"The existing main entrance door opens directly onto a main corridor where visitors can then easily gain access to the adjacent infant classroom and the rest of the school.

"The need to provide additional enhanced accommodation is an essential requirement to ensure the future development of the school and provide a safe and secure learning environment for pupils," it states. 

The proposed extension will encroach slightly on one current visitor/disabled parking space.

However, the school plans anticipate this space being relocated within the existing car park area and marked as a dedicated disabled parking spot.

It also points to the school's noticeable need for additional enhanced accommodation to realise its future development goals.

As proposed, the existing former administrative office will be refurbished to form new pupil toilets, accessible via the infant classroom.

To view the application, use planning reference 2024/0879/FPA.