School’s expansion set for approval

THE biggest expansion of one of York’s leading independent schools for nearly half a century is due to be given the go-ahead this week.

Plans for the multi-million pound scheme at Bootham School have been recommended for approval by York Council’s planning officers.

The proposed development would see a new two-storey building constructed to provide music and art teaching facilities for the school’s pupils.

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The existing music department, which would connect to the new building, would be converted to provide space for exhibitions.

It would be the biggest expansion of the school’s site since the Grade II listed Assembly Hall was built in the mid-1960s.

The school, which boasts chocolate manufacturer Joseph Rowntree and historian AJP Taylor among its former pupils, has set out a six-year masterplan to improve its music and arts departments.

The existing facilities are cramped and the proposed development would provide a linked area for music, art and performances. It will also create a social space which is lacking in the existing Assembly Hall.

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Members of York Council’s West and City Centre Area Planning Sub-Committee are due to meet on Thursday to discuss whether the planning application should be approved.

But the council’s planning officers have stressed the proposed development does not have an “undue adverse impact” on the setting of the Assembly Hall.

English Heritage has not raised any objections to the proposed development, although its officers have held discussions with the school to ensure the new building would fit in with the Assembly Hall.

Eight trees which are thought to be about 50 years old would have to removed as part of the development, but a re-planting scheme would introduce replacements elsewhere on the school’s site.