PLANS to replace the main school building at Haygrove School on Durleigh Road were approved by Sedgemoor District Council this week.

The proposals include the demolition and replacement of the main school building to provide new and improved school buildings on the site.

It is proposed that the construction work will be undertaken while the school is open, and the work would be carefully planned so contractors keep disruption to a minimum.

There will be no increase to pupil numbers at the school following the development works.

Haygrove currently caters for 1,070 students aged 11 to 16.

In the planning application it states: "The existing two-storey building is 'inefficient, difficult to maintain, inaccessible and does not provide the best environment for learning.

"The new, purpose-built building will provide modern classroom spaces suitable for delivering 'first class education'.

"New facilities for dining, drama, and science will bring new opportunities for pupil development."

The aim is to create a building which means the school environment will be 'comfortable, light, airy, and environmentally friendly, with efficient and effective heating, ventilation, and lighting throughout'.

The application states that the proposed development will provide new external facilities and an improved site organisation.

There will be modular off-site construction techniques used to reduce time on site, and the building will be designed to maximise natural light.

Following consultation with key staff it was agreed the design would reflect elements of the school's history, using matching brickwork to the lower plinth an art nouveau-inspired feature above the main entrance.

To view the full application visit the planning section of the Sedgemoor District Council website and search for the application number 08/18/00243.