Plans have been submitted by a Brooksmans Park school to convert an unused gymnasium into four additional classrooms.

The application by Chancellor's School is currently under consultation, ahead of a decision by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's planning committee.

Proposals submitted by headteacher, David Croston - via agents Lyster Grillet & Harding - would see the conversion of an existing unused school gymnasium to create four new teaching class spaces and staff office/admin spaces over two floors, together with a new school entrance and reception area.

In a background statement included in the application, agents state: "In 2017 Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) identified an increased demand for secondary spaces in the area.

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"Given the lack of alternatives for Hatfield, the expansion of Chancellor’s was considered essential. Therefore, in the Spring Term of 2018 Chancellor’s school agreed to admit an additional 30 pupils to each year group from September 2019 onwards.

"The school now has a mixed intake of approximately 1,270 students aged 11-18 years and by the end of the full expansion, it will have roughly 1,292 on roll."

It went on the explain that the agents have previously delivered a new sports hall which "represented a significant and much-needed education and sporting facility for the school, and it has proven invaluable in the effective delivery of the national curriculum to the increased numbers of pupils". 

Prior to the approval for the new sports hall the school had "two undersized gymnasium spaces".

"Further to the school’s continuing efforts to provide more suitable accommodation for the additional students, the school are looking to address ongoing spatial issues associated with both teaching accommodation and central admin/reception facilities," it continues.

"Following the construction of the new, compliant sized, sports hall the existing gymnasium spaces are now effectively under used with one of the spaces almost redundant.

"This gymnasium building was constructed in 1999 and is a brick clad, steel framed flat roof block. It is adjacent to the main school bus drop off area and one of the nearest buildings to the main school site entrance."

The consultation is open until September 9. To view the plans or share your views, go to https://planning.welhat.gov.uk and search 6/2023/1664/FULL.