Planning green light for demolition of Beacon Academy in Cleethorpes to make way for new building

The school will come down as, sadly, will 15 of the trees 

A CLEETHORPES secondary school is to be demolished and rebuilt on the same site.

Earlier today, the planning green light was given for the wrecking ball to be taken to the Beacon Academy in Chatsworth Place so that it can be replaced with state-of-the-art new premises capable of accommodating up to 750 pupil - 50 per cent more than at present.

The approved proposal is for a three-storey main building with sports hall, dining hall, classrooms and  educational facilities.

There will also be a multi-use games area,  regrading of an existing playing pitch, car park, electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, air source heat pumps.

In charge of the project are Castleford-based Tilbury Douglas Construction Ltd whose supporting statement says: "The current school is spread across six buildings, all but one of which have reached the end of their life. 

"The proposed development has been carefully considered from the outset to improve the experience and accessibility for all users throughout the landscaping scheme and within the new teaching block.

"The design has positively responded to the needs of the school, and allows for ease of movement across the site and within the new school building." 

It continues: "The current  standards are for schools to be zero carbon in operation. 

"This is not possible to achieve through the existing site due to the age of the buildings and operating systems but will be achieved in the new building. 

"The proposed development will improve the design, accessibility, circulation and teaching accommodation of the school, alongside providing improved sports facilities and social areas. 

Some 15 trees will make way for the development, but the site will be otherwise landscaped.

There is also a stipulation that bird and bat boxes shall be installed throughout the site and that the landscaping should include planting of hedges and wildflowers.

It is not known when the project will begin - nor how it will be progressed.

Disruption is inevitable, but, as the learned teachers like to tell their ever-obedient pupils: "You can't make omelettes without breaking eggs."

                                              

Bird's eye view of how the new school is expected to look