AN academy school is planning a major on-site development to provide, “a high quality learning environment” for its 1,000 students.

Kepier, in Houghton-le-Spring, is proposing partial demolition of the existing school building, excluding the separate sports hall, replacing it with a new 6,730sq m focal area.

As part of the project the Dairy Lane site would be re-landscaped.

The school has developed on former farm land since the early 70s, undergoing several name changes, most notably since achieving sports college and then academy status, in 2011, settling on the simple Kepier title in 2014.

Announcing the proposals in leaflets distributed locally, it is said the planned development would provide, “a new state-of-the-art learning environment.”

It adds: “The building and site has been carefully planned to ensure the existing school can remain fully operational throughout construction, and that there is clear separation between the building works and the operational school.”

The project is said to have Government approval in principle, but the views of local people are being sought as part of a consultation process prior to the submission of an application for planning approval.

If planners give the go-ahead it is hoped to have the development completed by the summer of 2019.

The new school building would be situated close to the site’s eastern boundary, keeping it as far away from homes, to avoid impacting on existing properties on the nearby Dairy Lane Estate.

Externally, the new facility will also include informal play and dining areas, a garden and horticultural section, plus a seating terrace.

But the school pledges there would be no loss of sports provision across the site.

It states that the development would support its ‘Believe in You’ motto and ethos., ensuring a strong sense of community between staff and learners.

Queries and feedback are welcomed, with further details on www.plansforkepier, the bespoke project website.