A new classroom block could be built at a village school in East Cambridgeshire.  

The proposals for Robert Arkenstall Primary School in Haddenham would create 60 new places at the school.  

If given the go-ahead, construction will begin in the spring with the work set to be complete by late 2026.  

The applicant is Cambridgeshire County Council.  
 
Its spokesperson said: “The new block at Robert Arkenstall Primary School in Haddenham will increase the school’s capacity from 270 to 330 places.  

“We expect to start construction next spring and aim to complete the work in late 2026.” 

He added: “Ensuring that Cambridgeshire’s children and young people have access to school places as near as possible to where they live is a priority for us.  

“These expanded facilities will help us continue to offer that to the residents of Haddenham.” 

The primary school is located in Camping Close.  

Proposals show the single-storey 330 metre-squared block includes three classrooms, a group room, storage rooms and an office.  

It will be located between an existing mobile classroom and the main school building.  

The proposed new classroom block will be located between the main school building and a mobile classroom. The proposed new classroom block will be located between the main school building and a mobile classroom. (Image: East Cambs District Council planning portal) Richard Clews, senior associate director from planning agent Strutt and Parker, submitted a comprehensive cover letter supporting the application. 

In it, he urges East Cambs planners: “This development is critical to the timely expansion of Robert Arkenstall.  

“If there are any uncertainties in relation to the permitted development rights or the material supplied to confirm the position under permitted development, we would be keen to understand this from officers before moving to any decision.” 

Planners at East Cambridgeshire District Council received the application on July 31, 2024.