Plans to build new classroom extension at Blackpool's Armfield Academy
Plans to construct a classroom extension at Armfield Academy High School in Blackpool would see the creation of three new classrooms.
The new developments at the school, on Lytham Road, would support its SEN (Special Education Needs) provision, proposals state.
An application has been submitted to planners at Blackpool Council for certificate of lawfulness, on the grounds that the project would be classed as permitted development and therefore would not need planning permission.
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.
A report on behalf of applicants by architects Cassidy+Ashton, said: “.The extension would have a footprint of 123.33sqm. It would be located to the rear of the main school building and comprise three new classrooms and a sensory area, 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.
“It is our position that the proposal would generally fall under permitted development, concerning the erection, extension or alteration of a school, college university, prison, or hospital building.”
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.
It adds: “It is our position that this proposal complies with all criteria within Para. M.1 of Class M, Part 7 of the GPDO and accordingly, the Council are requested to approve the certificate as applied for.”