Large extension set to be built on Sheffield school - but they don't have to tell the neighbours
School needs to expand as demand is up
One of Sheffield’s biggest schools is set for a big extension, less than 15 years after it was first built.
Forge Valley Community School, on Wood Lane, Stannington, is looking to build a new hall, ICT suites/classroom and three science laboratories on the side of the building.
The school, run by the Inova Academy Trust, was initially built under the then Government’s Building Schools For the Future Programme, in the early 2010s.
But now it needs to expand because of rising demand for school places.
A report into the plans by Sheffield Council planning officers stated: “The extension would be located within a recessed area between the main school building and the detached sixth form centre, located on the eastern elevation of the school building.
“The extension would consist of a large new hall and an ICT space built off the lower ground floor level.
“The hall element would be double height with a further three class rooms above this connecting with the first floor. The ICT element would be single storey. An enclosed external staircase is also shown for emergency escape purposes.
“The extension would extend at the same height as the part of the building that it is connected to, with other areas of the existing building are higher than this.”
It said that because it was not thought that the plans needed planning permission, the neighbours living close to the school had not been told about the plans, and no comments had been made.
They added: “The council’s Education and Commissioning Service supports the application and states that there is a requirement to increase pupil admission numbers to help meet demand for school places and these works are essential so that the school can safely accommodate the increase in numbers.”
The council has issued a certificate to the school to confirm that it does not need any new planning permission to carry out the work on the site.
Forge Valley School replaced Myers Grove School and Wisewood School and Community Sports College when they merged in September 2011.