GARELOCHHEAD Primary School is set for a new look after council chiefs gave the go-ahead for improvement work.

Timber decking areas and an external entrance area are set to be installed at the school, with landscaping work also to be carried out.

Argyll and Bute Council itself made the application for the works, which received one submission of support from a member of the public.

A handling report by one of the authority’s planning officers said that the proposals tied in with the local development plan and there was no reason not to grant planning permission for the work.

The officer said: “The majority of the proposed alterations are internal with the exception of a covered external access, demolition and enlargement of an existing entrance lobby and landscaping works.

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“Internally for the most part the alterations are to the non-original extension to the original historical building with the exception of some opening up works which do not affect any historical features.

“The internal alterations are mainly down takings to form a large open plan early years space plus the formation of a staff room, store rooms and washroom.

“Externally a new access is to be formed by means of a covered level platform and steps finished in slip resistant larch decking with powder coated protective balustrades and handrails.

“The existing circulation space is to be rationalised by the removal of the existing lobby and formation of a new enlarged lobby area.

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“The proposed materials are rendered walls in sandstone colour, slip resistant larch decking, powder coated handrails, aluminium doors and window screen, flat roof in a slate grey colour and white fascias.

“Externally the proposed materials are acceptable and match the existing, the new extensions tie in successfully with the existing extensions in terms of design and massing. On the basis of the above I consider the proposal acceptable.”

The officer added: “The scale, design and materials are acceptable and there are no privacy/overlook issues.

“It is therefore considered that the design and position of the proposed extensions, will not be detrimental to the visual amenity of the existing building nor will it be detrimental to the overall amenity of adjacent properties or the general area and as such accords with policies.”

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