Existing buildings at Cockermouth School could be demolished and replaced if the plans are approved by Cumberland Council.
The application is for a site at the school in Castlegate Drive in the town and it includes structures and sports facilities, associated landscaping, parking, access improvements, fencing, lighting and temporary classrooms.
Cockermouth School is a secondary school and sixth form set on a large sloping site on the north-east side of the town.
According to a planning report: “The school currently operates from seven buildings of various ages which present significant challenges in terms of functionality, accessibility, energy efficiency and overall suitability for the delivery of modern education.
“They are proposed to be replaced with new buildings catering for 1440 students and 135 full-time staff equivalent. The site also features extensive sports facilities that are to be either retained or replaced with similar or improved new facilities.
“The largest of the existing school buildings are to be retained during the construction period and the school is to remain fully operational for the duration.”
Cockermouth School poses ‘significant challenges’
According to the development brief there is an urgent need for a purpose-built, modern replacement to the current school buildings, many of which are at the end of their usable life.
It adds: “The feasibility study completed by the DfE explored options to build a new school on the site, covering a range of solutions.
“Each option was evaluated in terms of cost and buildability, educational drivers, and the school’s vision, with a preferred option identified by the DfE and taken forward by the design team.”
According to the planning statement three of the seven main school buildings, date from 1958, with more added in the 1960s. It adds: “The Eco Centre was added in 2008, along with some modular classrooms.
“The existing school is circa 11,300 square metres. All existing buildings present significant challenges in the delivery of modern education and will be
demolished as part of this project.
“The school is expected to remain fully operational throughout the construction phase. Following analysis of the existing buildings, site access and typography, it is proposed that the new building be located toward the south-east of the site.”
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The above application can be viewed at www.cumberland.gov.uk any representations should be submitted via the website or in writing to the Assistant Director, Thriving Places, Cumberland Council, Planning Civic Centre, Carlisle, CA3 8QG.
Source: https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/25880144.acre-wood-academy-expansion-progresses-crowborough/
