Proposals for a major new extension at a Chesham primary school have been granted conditional permission by Chiltern District Council.

Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School have had their plans to build phase one of their new extension project approved.

The school submitted the proposal to build a new single storey hall extension, alongside a stair link which will connect with the existing former convent building.

The school said that the new development would help provide a new secure entrance for the school, more space for school administration and staff facilities. The development will also help free up existing school space for teaching use.

Within the proposals, planners said: “The new hall will provide much needed additional assembly and multipurpose teaching space and the renovated house will allow the current cramped staff and administration facilities to move into larger purpose-built accommodation with a new secure entrance.

“The spaces vacated by the staff and administration team will then be turned back into useful and much need teaching space and also free up space for a small chapel.”

Explaining why the proposal was approved, the case officer wrote: “It is acknowledged that the proposed new hall is a large extension, but given its sitting between two existing buildings and set well back from the road, it is not considered to adversely impact the character of the area.

“It will also provide a useful facility for the existing school.

“Furthermore, the proposed development will not adversely affect residential amenity, parking or highway matters or any important trees.

“As such, the proposal complies with the relevant Development Plan policies and is therefore recommended for approval, subject to conditions.”