An Oxfordshire primary school has plans to construct a new Forest School building. 

Applicant the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust submitted the scheme for North Hinksey C Of E School, in North Hinksey Lane, Oxford.

The development includes a single-storey extension, the new modular Forest School building, alterations to the existing main buildings including a new window to the headteacher's office and external works including to the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). 

It also includes surfacing an existing car park including one disabled space, landscaping, biodiversity enhancements, drainage, and cycle parking.

READ MORE: Plans for 115 new homes in Oxfordshire village near Witney

North Hinksey C Of E School CGI (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council) So far, no public comments in objection or support have been submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council. 

The application's planning statement explained the need for the scheme. 

It said: “The proposed single storey extension is situated close to the existing buildings with a good degree of offset from site boundaries and surrounding residential properties. The proposed extension will not cause any overlooking or impact upon the amenity of surrounding properties and/or land uses. 

"A Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is located to the rear of the site running parallel to the south east boundary. The neighbouring Church House was fairly recently converted to residential use and sits in fairly close proximity to the south east boundary. 

“This area is currently in use as a school playing field, and therefore a certain level of activity and noise is already established and the proposed use of this area will be similar. The MUGA will only be in use during school hours and after school clubs but not in the evenings or weekends. The MUGA has been positioned offset from the boundary with a planting buffer in order to limit impact neighbouring properties.”

It added: “Due to the existing site constraints there are limited options to replace the existing temporary accommodation whilst retaining use of the temporary building during the construction phase.

“Two main options were explored either extending the existing two-class block to the south or towards the games court to the north. Due to the level change to the rear of the two-class block, and difficulty for access, the preferred solution was to construct a new extension on the existing playground. 

“Once complete the temporary building would be removed with reinstatement of a hard play area. The new extension is efficiently laid out and will provide two-new class bases with central link corridor with toilets and a small plant room. 

“The extension is located close to the existing access to the main school building. Extending the existing building, rather than constructing a new stand alone building, minimises new footprint and retains the greatest amount of external space.”

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby