Permission to demolish Claremont Lodge, which used to be a caretaker’s house, and replace it with a two-storey building was initially given in 2018 but the latest plans switch a flat roof and parapet for a single pitched version.

The application explains that the change is to “meet the operational and curriculum requirements for a joint primary and secondary school use and the opportunity for community use.”

A footpath and road crossing point will link the two schools, which are either side of Claremont Road.

Pictured: Claremont Lodge was originally used as accommodation by the on-site caretaker.

The new building retains the footprint of Claremont Lodge.

The application states: “There is a benefit to the community as a whole as a result of the proposal, both in terms of providing additional educational space and also providing a facility that will be shared by others.

“This will allow for out-of-town activities and used by both the JCG properties and Victoria College.”

The project has featured in a number of Government Plans – in the 2020-23 and 2021-24 plans, it was allocated a total of £1.5m, but this rises to £1.72m in the latest plan, which was published last week

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