Cheshire East has approved plans to redevelop and modernise the historic Sandbach School.
The proposed development comprises bulldozing 10 blocks and the partial demolition of the Grade-II listed grammar school building and lodge, and the construction of a new sports hall and teaching block.
There would also be internal and external alterations to the grammar school and lodge buildings together with associated works including landscaping, parking and the siting of temporary accommodation.
A report from a council planning officer to the Strategic Planning Board said: “The application site comprises the school campus which has several buildings, sports pitches, car parking and other areas of hard standing.
“Several of the buildings are modern additions to the complex but there are two grade II listed buildings within the site – the grammar school and grammar school lodge.
“These two buildings were designed by the architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The grammar school is described as ‘Victorian style’ and the lodge as ‘Gothic style’.
“Both are significant heritage assets, and their setting is an important consideration.”
The proposed works at the Crewe Road school include:
• Removal of buildings at the end of their useful lives;
• Construction of new school buildings, including a teaching block, new swimming pool and sports facilities block – two blocks will be connected at first-floor level by a bridge containing a new music department;
• Refurbishment of six existing buildings;
• New pedestrian and cycling pathway adjacent to the current vehicular access with
• new car parking and cycle shelters; and
• New hard and soft landscaping.
The report to councillors said: “The scheme is for a comprehensive revamp of the educational buildings including the demolition of many of the later buildings to the south-west of the site and the construction of two new educational blocks.
“This includes the demolition of two later rear extensions to the grade II listed building and refurbishment of the listed structure.
“The proposed repairs to the listed buildings are welcomed and officers have no objection to the removal of the later extensions, as they will open up the rear elevation as was originally intended when built.
“There are no objections to the later buildings being removed from the site, as the proposals will benefit the immediate setting of the listed buildings.”
Temporary buildings, including a teaching block, sports hall, changing room and dining hall would be sited on the tennis courts while the work took place.
These would be removed following completion, and the tennis courts resurfaced.
The officers recommended that councillors delegate approval with conditions to the head of planning in consultation with the committee chair and vice chair, subject to the submission of a satisfactory protected species survey.
