Plans approved to demolish temporary classroom block at Pontypool school and build new permanent structure

PLANS to demolish a temporary classroom block at a Pontypool school have been given the green light. 
The block to be demolished at Ysgol Bryn Onnen, in Varteg, Pontypool, is according to plans submitted by Torfaen Borough Council, in May, the most recent structure at the Welsh medium school, and added since a further extension was completed in 2002. 
However it is thought the temporary single storey classroom, that stands alone in the car park and beside the school yard, at the rear of the main school building, may have been in place since 1995 and in use at another school before that. 
The approved plans will see a new permanent single storey classroom block built and connected to the largest building, at the centre of the site, that was mostly built in 1903. 
A previous extension for the administration room on the western side of the 1903 building would be replaced with a single storey extension to provide a linkway, entrance and administration offices and will be connected to the original Victorian era school building. 
Torfaen Borough Council planning officer Mia McAndrew said refurbishment of the school within the existing urban boundary is acceptable in principle while the loss of part of the school field for parking and a construction site compound in the countryside next to the school could be allowed.  
She stated: “The proposal would enhance the existing school facility for the benefit and enjoyment of all users.” 
“The new parking area would replace part of the existing field, but a large area would remain,” Ms McAndrew wrote in her report which approved the application and added: “Whilst the compound would be in the countryside outside the urban boundary, it would be a temporary use during construction and the park next to the compound area would not be altered.” 
The new extensions will have a flat green roof and a brick finish to match the existing building while a stone wall along the western vehicle access will be lost which was described as “unfortunate but necessary to accommodate the development and widen the road”. 
The site compound would be in a sensitive location within the countryside, the Blaenavon World Heritage Landscape and the Afon Lwyd Valley Special Landscape Area but it would be temporary and a condition can be applied to ensure it is restored to its original condition. 
Conditions related to the “very low risk” of ground contamination and ground gas have been attached to the permission as well as conditions on lighting to protect bats in the area.  ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

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