School’s ‘unpleasant’ dining area could be demolished and replaced

A school is hoping to demolish its “unpleasant” dining area after saying it “does not provide a healthy environment for students”.

Whitton Community Primary School in Shakespeare Road, Ipswich has submitted a planning application to replace its existing dining block, which it says “provides a cavernous environment which, when fully occupied is an intimidating, noisy space, particularly for the younger students”.

A planning statement submitted to Ipswich Borough Council read: “The building in its current condition does not provide a healthy environment for students during breakfast clubs and lunch times.

“The poor thermal performance of the walls, roof and fenestration all contribute to a cold, damp building and an unpleasant dining area.

“The proposed replacement building will provide more useable, comfortable space, and provide a visual enhancement to the site.”

If approved, the new single storey 430sq m building would contain a school hall, kitchen, toilets, a coat room and storage areas.

The demolition of the existing building is set to take place in August.