PLANS to demolish and rebuild a junior school in Hampshire have been given the green light.

The existing Fryern Junior School in Oakmount Road, Chandler’s Ford is set to be demolished and replaced with a new single storey building.

The news comes as official documents revealed that the cladding is in poor condition and a structural assessment of the timber frame has determined that the full replacement of the existing building is required.

The new £7.6m building will include nine classrooms, a library, a main hall with stores and kitchen, toilets and a staff room.

An area of the car park will also be reconfigured to provide additional parking spaces while the existing play area and footpath will be improved.

The plans have been approved by Hampshire County Council.

Judith Grajewski, county councillor for Chandler’s Ford, said: “I am very pleased to support this application. The current timber-framed building is in need of replacement and a refurbishment option will not be possible. This has presented the school with  welcome opportunities to rebuild the school. The modern design also ticks a lot of boxes in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability and environmental sensitivity. The adjustment to the carpark in front of the schools will, in my view, make the area much safer. I know that everyone is excited about this proposals, myself included.”

As previously reported, the existing building was built 60 years ago.

The junior school, which caters for boys and girls from eight to 11 years of age, was given a Good rating by Ofsted in December 2018 and has 240 students.