PLANS to revamp an Ascot school with a new play area have been unanimously approved by councillors.

South Ascot Village School in All Souls' Road was given an overwhelming nod to create a new outdoor area adjacent to the primary school’s classrooms with an overhanging canopy to protect pupils from the rain.

The plans also included six sun tubes to the nearby nursery building and a new tarmac path across the site to connect the two buildings.

Planning officers said this small-scale development would ‘enhance and modernise’ the existing buildings and recommended councillors sitting on the Windsor and Ascot development management panel to approve it.

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Cllr Amy Tisi (Lib Dem: Clewer East) said: “Outdoor play is really important for early years, and I think that’s what is proposed here; to enable children to be outside more in the year and be safe from the weather.

“I really like these sun tubes as they bring more natural light into the classrooms and that’s more pleasant for the learning environment, but it’s also better for the environment because it means you don’t have to have the overhead lights as much.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Julian Sharpe (Con: Ascot & Sunninghill) said the plans were an “open and closed book” and moved a motion to approve the plans, which was seconded by Cllr Tisi.

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The scheme also included changes and remodelling to some toilet facilities and classrooms at the nursery and primary school. However, this does not require planning permission.

The scheme was unanimously approved by councillors on Wednesday, November 2.