Long-awaited plans for a new £11 million primary school in Sennybridge have been lodged with Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority Planners.

The application was submitted by Powys County Council earlier this month and includes demolishing the current school building for a new 120-pupil school and providing an “Early Years Setting.”

The development is smaller than the original proposal from 2022, which was for 150 pupils.

Sports, play facilities, associated works and provision for 40 car parking spaces will be provided, which include four with Electric Vehicle charging points.

It is intended that the new main school building will be positioned more centrally within the site boundary, north of the existing school.

Planning agent Liam Griffiths-Downing of Asbri Planning Ltd explained the proposal in a planning statement.

Mr Griffiths-Downing said: “The original main school building was built in 1939 and is said to be in poor condition.

“Assessment of the existing school building has shown it to be outdated and inadequate for modern day teaching with new modernized learning facilities that will impact positively on the self-esteem and well-being of all pupils.

“The new building will also comply with the LDP’s Sustainable Design policy through incorporating zero net carbon principles, which will ultimately improve the building’s efficiency and running costs.”

The new building will be of “similar scale” to the current school in that it will be one storey and have a flat roof.

Mr Griffiths-Downing said: “The main hall and kitchen require a minimum ceiling height of six metres, which means that these spaces become double height and the tallest elements of the building.”

The way the building is sited will allow space for “future expansion” and a school extension could be built to the west, if needed.

“Overall, the proposals are considered to positively add to the site providing a 21st century facility for staff and students of the school,” said Mr Griffiths-Downing.

The outline business case for the proposal was approved by the Liberal Democrat/Labour Cabinet back in April.

At that meeting senior councillors agreed a “revised outline business case” for Sennybridge which is part of the £300 million proposed investment in schools by the council over the next decade.

Former council leader who is now in charge of the Education brief, Cllr James Gibson-Watt (Liberal Democrat – Glasbury) said: “Submitting the planning application marks an important milestone in delivering a new school for Sennybridge.

“This investment reflects our commitment to transforming education and will ensure pupils have access to facilities that meet modern standards and support their learning and well-being.”

A decision on the application would be expected in the New Year.

It would be expected that the Welsh Government would fund 65 per cent of the project cost with Powys County Council expected to stump up 35 per cent, which would be around £4 million.