A PLANNING application for the proposed redevelopment of a primary school is set to be drawn up.

In a public notice Stuart Rainbow, on behalf of St Helens Borough Council, said it was applying to the local authority’s planning department for permission to rebuild Ashurst Primary School at Blackbrook.

The proposals would see a new school built on the existing playground.

The current school would be flattened to provide space for a playground and car parking.

Last year the Star reported how residents were being invited to take part in a public consultation to share their views on proposals to upgrade the school.

In July 2020, St Helens Council’s cabinet showed its support to a redevelopment project to replace the current 1970s building on New Glade Hill.

The building is said to be no longer fit for modern day purpose – with plans for a new learning facility to address overcrowded classrooms and a smaller than recommended hall. It will also provide support to children with special educational needs.

Last year, the Star reported how phase one would see the creation of the new school, with some play surfaces retained, taking around 56 weeks to complete.

Meanwhile, phase two would take around 33 weeks to complete and would involve carefully taking down the existing school to create the replacement play areas, as well as enhanced car parking provision.

In November, Cllr Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for education said “children should have the opportunity to learn in an environment that helps them to flourish”.