Secondary school upgrade plans approved

A secondary school is set to be upgraded after a council backed plans to replace some of its facilities that date back to the 1950s.

Oulton Academy in Leeds will gain new sport and education facilities, with buildings "not suitable for modern teaching" set to be demolished after the approval of the scheme.

The project, set to be built in phases over the coming years, will also expand the school's capacity from about 1,275 pupils to 1,350, said Leeds City Council.

A report detailing the scheme said: "The redevelopment will create a less sprawling and more efficient campus layout, providing improved facilities while increasing access to green spaces across the school grounds."

The number of school staff will also increase from 111 to about 150, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In an update to parents and staff from the school, part of the Carlton Academy Trust, it said preparatory works were carried out by Willmott Dixon over the summer.

It said: "Due to the need to carefully sequence the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of new facilities, the project will be delivered in multiple phases and is expected to continue for a number of years."

A report from council planning officers said: "Overall, it is considered that the proposed scheme is of an acceptable quality in design terms and delivers new and essential teaching and accommodation, as well as sporting facilities, which will also be made available to the wider community."

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