Sutton High School for Girls has applied for permission to build a new three-storey building to meet growing demand for its sixth form. 

The school has recently undergone construction work to extend the prep school, refectory and an all-weather pitch, along with landscaping upgrades.

Its next phase focuses on constructing a new, modern sixth form building to meet the growing demand for high-quality facilities.

To this end the school has submitted two planning applications – one for the demolition of three buildings and the building of a new three-storey building, and the other for a two-storey detached building on existing hard courts as a temporary classroom for four years, while the permanent building is built.

The plans, which would result in the reduction of parking spaces, also request permission for a new cycle store.  

As well as this the application seeks permission to make changes to the front boundary wall, including the removal of a pedestrian gate, as well as the provision of a second access for vehicles on Cheam Road.

MORE PLANNING NEWS

The current facilities no longer meet the needs of students or modern education standards, according to the plans.

The new sixth form building will be designed to provide a suitable and modern learning space, according to the plans, and will feature “well-equipped classrooms, advanced technology, and dedicated study areas”.

The plans also consider the campus landscaping, including green spaces and design elements to create an “appealing and conducive educational environment”.

Extra cycle spaces and reduced parking areas are part of the proposal, owing to the school’s commitment to sustainability.

However, building work taking place at the school has taken its toll on those living nearby, according to one comment on Sutton Council’s planning portal.

Sonia Macdonald, who lives in nearby St James’ Road, said that since December building works have caused a high volume of noise from heavy machinery and other building equipment.

“Residents have been good enough to tolerate the discomfort, which has been particularly problematic for those of us who need to work from home,” she added.

“I do feel that adding even more work is unreasonable and we deserve a degree of peace and quiet now.”

She said the increase in school traffic has caused blockages on Grove Road and St James’ Road. 

“The entrance/exit to the Stanstead Manor estate is often blocked by parents making it hazardous for residents to get in and out,” she added.

“We simply cannot see beyond the stream of parked cars. Further work would only serve to cause more traffic chaos.

“There has to be a limit as to how far this school is able to expand given the small site area.”