A ‘UNIQUE’ forest school forms part of ultra-modern zero carbon development in Egerton.

As part of his ambitious plans to build a contemporary farmstead at Higher Critchley Fold Barn, David Norris intends to create new learning environment for children at Egerton Community Primary School.

It would include outdoor classrooms within the woodland, a wildlife pond, paths for expeditions, and an orchard.

In a letter supporting the planning application, the school said: “Outdoor learning plays an important part in a child’s wellbeing. Many children spend limited time outdoors and the opportunities at this development will provide this.

“Time outdoors has been linked to a reduction in stress levels, increased emotional wellbeing and increased exercise levels, therefore lowering risk of obesity.

“The Primary National Curriculum is broad and at Egerton School we strongly believe that the curriculum should be varied.

“This enables children to develop many skills. By providing purpose-built areas, such as Mr Norris is proposing, we can expose children to a variety of habitats that they would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience. This would provide links for science, geography, art and design technology.

“We fully endorse the plans that Mr Norris is submitting and we hope that our children are enjoying the experience of further outdoor learning in the near future.”

The applicant states that the farmstead development ‘raises the standard of architectural design in Egerton and Bolton in general, helping to Bolton on the national sustainable development map’.

A planning application sent to Bolton Council says that it would ‘integrate the most up-to-date technologies’ and ‘ avoid compromising the openness of the Green Belt ‘.