A NEW modern drama studio is on the cards for a Farnworth high school.

Harper Green is seeking permission to demolish three existing temporary classrooms and replace them with a modern two storey block.

Plans are for a new “drama facility” which would also include classrooms.

Harper Green was one of 16 schools in the borough to receive a share of £483m to invest and upgrade their buildings and classrooms earlier this year.

This could go towards anything from reducing anti-social behaviour to heating replacement and roof repairs.

The high school bid for a share of this ‘condition improvement fund’ in order to replace the temporary classrooms blocks due to structural issues and room closures.

The temporary classrooms are currently at the north end of the school buildings, with the new block in a courtyard closely surrounded by school buildings.

A planning statement with the application said: “This application relates to the provision of new accommodation to replace old building stock which has come to the end of their useful life.

“No additional staff are to be employed as a result of this application and so both pupil and staff numbers will be as existing.”

The condition improvement fund is an annual bidding round for eligible academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools to apply for capital funding.

The priority for the fund is to address significant condition need, keeping education provider buildings safe and in good working order.

This includes funding projects to address health and safety issues, building compliance and poor building condition.

Cllr Anne Galloway, executive cabinet member for children’s services, said when funding was announced in June: “It’s excellent that schools in Bolton have secured new money from the Government to improve their buildings.

“It’s important that children can learn in the best possible environment and with all the pressures on school budgets this past year this funding will be very welcome.”

Bolton Council planning committee will rule on the plans in due course.