PROPOSALS to create extensions to classrooms and the play area at a school in Rhuddlan have been granted planning permission.

The plans, concerning Ysgol Y Castell, on Hylas Lane, were submitted to Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee by the local authority’s own Education and Children Services department.

Included in the proposals are the following:

  • Extensions to existing classrooms.
  • An improved resource area and new toilets.
  • An extended playground to compensate for the level area lost to the new extension.

When consulted on the application, Natural Resource Wales, Cadw and Welsh Water raised no objections to the plans.

Rhuddlan Town Council also said it fully supports the plans but added that it wants to “ensure any impacts on biodiversity as a result of the construction are fully mitigated.”

Permission was granted by the planning committee on September 27.

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Plans submitted for extensions to Rhuddlan school’s classrooms and playground

Extracts from a design and access statement read: “The school has not been extended for some years and some areas are below that recommended for the number of pupils expected.

“The school is currently short of playground and games court area when compared to current standards, and the proposed new extension would take away some playground area.

“To compensate for the loss of level playground, which doubles up as a games court, it is proposed that the playground is extended into the playing field.

“The classroom extension has been designed to avoid alterations to the existing slate roof and to accommodate energy efficient heat exchanger ventilation units that will improve ventilation to existing classrooms in an energy efficient manner particularly during the winter.

“These will be situated on the new flat roof which will be designed to provide safe access for maintenance.

“The extension will not really impact on neighbouring properties or be particularly visible from neighbouring conservation areas as it is screened from one side by the taller assembly hall extension and from the other side by earth banking and existing tree planting.

“By providing new external doors to the playground from each extended classroom and providing level access to the playground, the accessibility through the school will be significantly improved.

“There is an added benefit that fire safety will be improved.”