Blackpool's Armfield Academy reveals major plans for brand new building
“The layout of the extension has been redesigned”
Blackpool’s Armfield Academy has submitted fresh proposals to build a new classroom block on the site after an earlier scheme was shelved.
The project entails the creation of three new classrooms at the South Shore school.
The new developments at the school, on Lytham Road, will support its SEN (Special Education Needs) provision, proposals state.
Last year planners approved a similar application, on a certificate of lawfulness basis, which meant that the school did not need planning permission.
However, despite the green light being given, the discovery of an underground drainage system meant that those proposals had to be shelved.
Now a new application for certificate of lawfulness has been submitted to planners at Blackpool Council, with amended designs.
A supporting document by Claire Parker, on behalf of architects Cassidy and Ashton, stated: “I am writing in respect of the above site, and a certificate of lawfulness application for the proposed construction of a new single-storey extension to Armfield Academy to be used for educational purposes.
“A certificate of lawfulness has recently been issued for a similar proposal at the school (ref: 25/0661) which has not been constructed.
“Since this time the location of an existing soakaway has been identified on site and so the layout of the extension has been redesigned to meet appropriate regulatory distances.
“The previous certificate was granted based upon the previously issued drawings and so a new certificate is required to be applied for to confirm that the updated scheme also complies with permitted development rights.
“The extension would have a footprint of 109.8sqm. It would be located to the rear of the main school building and comprise three new classrooms, to support the school’s SEN provision.
“As existing, the site of the proposed extension comprises hardstanding and part of a grassed area, within the playground, which is not utilised for any formalised outdoor recreational activities. “
The report says that the school has not undertaken any extensions or alterations which have increased the footprint of the existing school buildings on site since April 21 2021.
The school first opened on the former Arnold School site in 2018, catering for 1,180 youngsters aged two to 16, It was named after Blackpool FC legend Jimmy Armfield, a former pupil at Arnold.