Plans to demolish Wolverhampton Royal School's listed building given go ahead

The Royal School, based on Penn Road in Wolverhampton, became a Free School in September last year and the Government's Department of Education submitted plans to the council to transform the site as part of its new status.

Now council bosses have given the go ahead to the plans, which will see the demolition of a part of the senior school building wing based on Goldthorn Road.

It will also see an extension to the primary school and creation of a new multi-use games area and car park.

Councillor Claire Darke, cabinet member for education, said: "Schools in Wolverhampton are more popular than ever before, with demand for places very high.

"The proposal for The Royal School to become a free school well supported across the city, and this investment will further improve facilities available at the school in order to provide an enhanced teaching and learning experience.

"This in turn will undoubtedly contribute to the overall journey of improvement in the city's schools."

A Heritage Statement issued with the application, compiled by Cassidy + Ashton architects revealed that the school's boiler house is to be demolished. The boiler house was built in the mid 20th century and is considered a modern extension to the main school building. Developers have now been given listed building consent to demolish it.

The main entrance doors are also to be replaced as are some windows dating from the 1930s, six chimneys are to be removed and two new openings are to be made within the Waverley House wall on Goldthorn Road to provide car park access. A ramp is also to be installed along the main entrance to the senior school whilst a new storage building is to be built.

The statement concludes: "Overall the proposed works fit closely with the pattern of development at the school over the last 150 years where a series of both major and minor works have been undertaken with the intention at all times of improving facilities to provide the best possible educational facilities that can be provided."

The full proposal, which has now been approved by the council was stated on the decision notice. It said under 'Reasons for granting planning permission': "This is an established school site and the proposed extensions would be consistent with policy.

"The proposal would result in some demolition of listed buildings.

"The level of harm is considered to be less than substantial.

"The proposed extensions, demolition and creation of car park areas would improve the facilities at the established school site.

"The proposed new build is in-keeping with the architectural and historic qualities of the existing building."

In the 10-page decision notice letter, a series of detailed has also been set out by the council ahead of the works taking place.

The school now has three years to carry out the works. However, the decision can be appealed for up to six months after the date of the decision notice.