RESIDENTS in Chalford are locking horns over plans to add new classrooms to the Victorian façade of a primary school.

Gloucestershire County Council wants to build a single-storey extension at Chalford Hill Primary, for two classrooms, a kitchen and toilets, with the school’s entrance remodelled.

Two temporary classrooms would be removed and a new Tarmac playground constructed.

Residents against the development argue the designs are “shockingly ugly” and “not in keeping” with the existing Victorian architecture.

Lynne Clements, who wrote to GCC to object to the development, said: “Whist I appreciate the need for the increase in classrooms, surely this can be achieved without ruining the appearance of the Victorian building.

“Chalford Hill is a charming Cotswold village in an area of outstanding natural beauty.”

But frustrated parents of pupils say the extension is sorely needed as there is insufficient space for some activities at the school, with corridors having to be used. Also, the kitchen is too small to cook meals so they are brought in from Bussage Primary School.

Tricia Watson, a member of the parent teacher association who has two children at the school, contacted the SNJ after a planning officer at GCC received numerous objections and, instead of putting the plan forward for approval, referred the design for guidance.

“The current temporary classrooms for years five and six are way past their sell by date and genuinely may fall apart or cause a significant health and safety risk, with volunteer parents using building trade skills and materials to prop them up,” said Tricia.

“The referral means they have missed the planned summer holiday build, so whatever goes ahead will cause more disruption for children during term time.

“The current classrooms are rotting and may yet be condemned by an imminent health and safety inspection. The county back-up position is to replace them with more temporary classrooms.”

Chalford Parish Council has objected to the designs, saying the extension would “obscure the view and destroy the harmony of an attractive group of Victorian buildings.”