A County Durham school could see the construction of a charity shop and café on its grounds after plans were submitted for an extension.

Submitted for The Oaks Secondary School on Rock Road in Spennymoor, the plans would see a 290-metre squared extension to the building.

Serving over 275 pupils, the school is mainly for young people with special education needs and has received an “outstanding” grade from their last three Ofsted inspections.

The existing building at the proposed site is a stand-alone sixth-form teaching building for pupils and staff.

It can be found to the north of the school site and the proposal is to extend the site from the southwest face of the existing centre.

It consists of four general teaching classrooms, a life skills teaching area, and other ancillary accommodation and storage areas.

Outside there is additional visitor and staff parking.

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Plans could see an extension to this building consisting of a café, servery, kitchen, charity shop and other ancillary accommodation works and storage areas.

External seating could also be constructed with a glazed canopy, along with ramp and stair access.

Currently, the site is accessed via a pedestrian gate along with a single-lane road off Rock Road.

An additional hard landscaped pedestrian link will be provided to the demountable units which will be provided with suitable stair and ramp access to the new entrance.

Fire escapes will also be included to allow inclusive access arrangements.

The aims of the proposal are to provide food and drink to the existing sixth-form building.

The plans also argue that it will maintain the low profile of the existing sixth-form building, limiting impact on neighbouring properties to the site.

Artist impressions of the proposed building show a modern-looking design with brick highlights and glass-fronted entryways.

The proposal was submitted to Durham County Council on Wednesday, August 10 but has not yet been decided.

You can view and comment on the plans on the Durham County Council website.

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