A school is seeking planning permission for a new building costing £1.4 million.

Robert Bloomfield Academy in Shefford has put forward a proposal which would see eight new classrooms built for Year 5 pupils, and the demolition of three existing temporary classrooms.

The new building, proposed to sit between the playing fields and the main school building, would also house a special educational needs space, six toilets, a plant room and a cleaner’s cupboard.

During the construction of the new facilities the three existing temporary buildings which provide six classrooms will remain in use.

An exhibition of the design proposals took place in the dining room hall of Robert Bloomfield Academy on May 21 to give parents, residents, pupils and staff the opportunity to see the plans for the new block.

The planning documents states: “The majority of the responses were positive about the design quality, the opportunity to redevelop the school and that a Year 5 block is needed. Staff were supportive of the proposals and welcomed the prospect of teaching within the new classrooms.”

The application has been put forward to Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) for consultation by Bedfordshire East Multi Academy Trust (BEMAT), which is also responsible for Etonbury Academy and Gothic Mede Academy, both in Arlesey, the Samuel Whitbread Academy in Clifton and Gravenshurst Academy.

BEMAT is working in partnership with its foundation, the Bedfordshire East Schools Trust, and alongside CBC to seek approval for the proposals.

The application proposes to enhance the facilities provided by the middle school, but does not relate to any alteration to the 900-pupil capacity.