Secondary school classroom extension approved

Plans for an extension at a secondary school to allow for 10 new classrooms have been approved.

The proposals for Ryton's Thorp Academy, which will create new teaching spaces and make more room for the dining hall, were granted by Gateshead Council.

The academy is set to receive an additional 170 pupils and six new members of staff by September 2025, councillors were told.

Some pupils are currently being accommodated in temporary modular units.

Thorp Academy was allocated more than £330,000 to help it manage growing classes in January 2023, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Planning documents said the two-storey extension would have a "minimal impact" on site views and landmarks.

Council officers said they were satisfied that it had sufficient parking for staff and would not create "highway issues".

Students arriving by car have already been told to use nearby car parks instead including Ryton’s cricket and rugby clubs.

The submission concluded: "This application is for a modest extension to an existing school building.

"It will facilitate increased capacity for the dining facilities, improve the operation performance of existing facilities and improve security for the school as a whole."

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