Shropshire academy reveals plans for new classroom block and courtyard

Plans have been submitted to build two single-storey classrooms and a new courtyard area at Lakelands Academy in Ellesmere.

The scheme would involve using one of the classrooms as a drama room and demolishing existing demountable buildings.

Documents submitted to Shropshire Council in support of the application say: "The single-storey proposals will provide the academy with much-needed drama classroom and single general classroom.

"The existing site is an open hard-standing courtyard area currently used as a raised bed garden and occupied by three demountable classrooms which will be removed prior to construction of the new drama room and classroom.

"The courtyard will also provide the academy with much-needed area for pupils to congregate and socialise."

The academy has benefited from several new developments since it was awarded academy status in December 2012. Last year a new £1 million special needs centre welcomed its first pupils.

The special educational needs hub accommodates up to 24 children who have communication and interaction difficulties.

The new building, which has been called the Kettlemere Centre, features four teaching areas and multimedia, therapy and meeting rooms.

It was built as Shropshire previously had very limited specialist teaching provision to support pupils with communication and interaction difficulties.

The academy has also previously been awarded a £1 million grant to help build a science block. The science block features two rooms used for chemistry teaching, one for biology and one for physics as well as a prep room, plant room and office.

School bosses say they have attracted significant funding following conversion to academy status, which has allowed it to carry out the improvements.

Shropshire Council hopes to make a final decision on the proposal for the new classrooms by June 21. People can comment on the plans as part of consultation into the development via the council's website.