An Isle of Wight school may be demolished and redeveloped to deliver a modern and ‘fit-for-purpose’ educational facility.
Willmott Dixon Construction has submitted a proposal to demolish existing buildings at Nine Acres Community Primary in Newport and construct a new two storey building, on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE).
Ageing buildings ‘no longer fit for purpose
Temporary accommodation, access arrangements and playing field provision will be established during the construction phase to allow the school’s continued operation, according to an application form.
Safety and access concerns
A Design and Access Statement from HNW Architects says,
“The existing school buildings are in poor condition and no longer meet the needs of the local community or current DfE building standards.
“The current layout also presents operational and safety concerns, including vehicle movements through the site where delivery vehicles must pass through the playground area.”
Redevelopment will deliver a fit-for-purpose facility for the primary and Little Acres Nursery, property consultancy Vail Williams told planners.
Pupil capacity to be maintained
Capacity for 420 pupils and 45 nursery places will be maintained under the plans which also include changes to access and parking arrangements as well as landscaping improvements.
Temporary accommodation will be provided on the existing playing field.
A Planning Statement said,
“The scheme will replace an outdated structure with a purpose-built school designed to meet contemporary educational standards and the requirements of the Department for Education, whilst maintaining the existing educational use and capacity of the site.”
Vail Williams said evidence put forward shows the development can be implemented without unacceptable impacts relating to design, transport, residential amenity, flood risk, drainage, ecology, biodiversity, arboriculture, heritage or archaeology.
Net zero ambitions
‘Significant environmental benefits’ of the scheme include a ‘highly energy-efficient’ all-electric building capable of achieving net zero carbon in operation, alongside ‘substantial’ biodiversity enhancements.
Once completed, the development will provide better educational accommodation, improved external spaces and a more sustainable school environment for pupils, staff and the wider community, the consultancy said.
Have your say
The public consultation on the application 26/01066/FUL runs until 14th September and a decision is due by 10th November 2026.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
