A new sixth form block at a city school has been given the green light, after previous plans were withdrawn due to complaints from people living nearby.
In May, City of Norwich School on Eaton Road lodged a bid for a new sixth form and a separate dance studio.
But the school scrapped the plans after concerns were raised by locals over potential noise disturbance from the dance studio.
Now, though, a fresh bid for a sixth form block, which sees the dance studio located within the existing performing arts building instead, has been approved.
It is hoped the building is completely in January next year, with work due to start in the coming weeks.
The plans also include the demolition of two existing mobile science blocks.
Prior to the demolishment, the plans say there will be “suitable and sufficient” surveys to ensure there is “no acceptable amenity harm arising to the nearby residential occupiers on Eaton Road.”
The design and access statement says the development would allow a “much-needed improvement of the existing school facilities in the form of a new sixth form block.”
If built, the sixth form block would feature three classrooms, an ICT room, a library and a study and cafe area.
Planning documents say the intention of the new single-story block is to “provide a modern and fit-for-purpose building that would complement the existing built environment of the school.”
But the new block would not increase the number of students at the school.
The school has as an overall capacity of 1,730 children with some 1,597 children recorded to be on roll as of March 2020 according to figures from the Department of Education.
It has three years to begin work on the new sixth form block before the planning permission expires.
The school, which has students between the ages of 11 and 18, converted to academy status in September 2014 and forms part of the Ormiston Academies Trust.
It also has partnerships with the London Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Norfolk Centre for Young Musicians.
Jo Philpott, headteacher at City of Norwich School said: “City of Norwich School is excited to have been granted planning permission for a new, purpose-built sixth form block to further enhance our large and vibrant Sixth Form and school community. With support from our sponsor, Ormiston Academies Trust, the new building will enable the school to move forward with plans to modernise and improve facilities and create additional high-quality learning space for its students to study in.
“The new, single-story, state of the art building will replace two existing mobile science blocks on the school site, with new science facilities already having been incorporated in the main school building. Although predominately intended for sixth form students, the three new classrooms, ICT room, library, study and café area will provide improved facilities for the whole CNS community.
“As well as the new building, the approved plans also include enhancement of its existing performing arts building The Arc, by incorporating a new dance studio and drama room.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here