Plans for two new drama studios purpose-built at Spalding Academy will also allow pupil numbers to increase.
The application shows a single storey stand alone building with the new studios along with office, toilets and a plant room.
“The new block will enable an increase in pupil admission numbers from 300 to 322, and is being provided to replace the current drama facilities which are based in an interim location of a minimally refurbished art classroom, which is no longer suitable,” says a design and access statement submitted with the application.
The new building will also mean the loss of some parking spaces at the Neville Road site.
“It is hoped that this stand-alone drama accommodation will also act as a new focal point for the school, as a prominent feature near to the main entrance, as both the school community and visitors enter the site,” says the statement.
But the same statement says the school receives around 50 visitors a day and the new block will see a reduction in visitor parking.
When the new block is finished, total parking will equate to 158 for staff but only three for visitors according to a document. The county guidance is one space per two staff with a ‘visitors allowance.’
The total number of spaces lost will be seven, but the design statement says the minimum required spaces would be 133, using different guidance. Currently there are five visitor bays.
“As a key part of the decision making process on the building position was to maintain as much as possible of the existing car park and lose as few spaces as possible whilst still maintaining adequate circulation around the building for access,” says the design statement.
The school has provision for 250 bicycles to be stored on site. Figures show almost 50 per cent of students either walk or cycle. Around 25 per cent are in family cars while staff figures show around 90 per cent drive in.
The parking issue aside, the plans show solar panels on the flat roof of the new building. Each studio space will have a clear height of 4.5m.
The expansion would also be reflected in an increase of eight full time jobs from 80 to 88, and six full time non-teaching jobs, from 16 to 67.
South Holland District Council has indicated, as a consultee, that it has no objections to the application.
The county council has requested further information about the parking situation.
