AN outdated and unsafe school kitchen could be extended and upgraded.

Plans have been lodged to Hyndburn Council in a bid to improve the facilities in Belthorn Academy Primary School in Belthorn Road.

The scheme entails the relocation of the existing pupil entrance as well as an extension and remodelling of the school kitchen.

Since opening in 1966, school numbers have risen from 46 to 184 pupils and as a result there have been a number of previous extensions in order to accommodate rising numbers.

The proposed development will improve both the pupil entrance and the kitchen area.

A planning statement submitted as part of the application reads: “The kitchen has been well maintained but is no longer functionally safe and does not comply with the recommendations of environmental health.

“There have been several near misses - burns to staff, slips during service - and a serious accident is very likely to happen soon.

“As part of the work an electrical upgrade will be carried out.

“Recent electrical load testing has highlighted the demand exceeds the maximum supply to the building which could result in a breakout fire and full loss of power to the school.”

According to the application, there is insufficient storage space in the current kitchen and the cramped space leads to increased service times.

There is no workstation to allow administration to be completed and the pot-wash station is located too close to the servery, meaning people bump into each other.

Fridges and washing machines are stored outside of kitchen area in circulation space and restricted storage means dining tables block the second fire escape from kitchen at all times.

The main kitchen sink is utilised as a food preparation area therefore cannot be used until the service has finished as recommended by environmental health.

And they say there is not enough fridge space for perishable items, as well as no space for a washing machine in kitchen area for cloth washing.

The design and access statement adds: “Both the extension and infill structure will use materials that have been chosen to complement the existing palate on site, namely brick envelope with felt roof. Windows and doors will be white uPVC.

“The new pupil entrance to the building will be level, and has been designed to achieve a good colour contrast with the immediate surroundings.

“The route will be free of physical obstructions where possible, if they cannot be removed, then they shall be suitably guarded or highlighted to reduce the risk of injury."

“The colour scheme will be chosen to highlight walls, floors, counters, sanitary fittings and doors in accordance with guidance produced by the National Institute for the Blind.

Floor finishes will be slip-resistant where required, and any changes in material will have a suitable trim to ensure no trip hazard.

“It is understood that disabilities are not just physical, they can also be sensory too. It is intended that within the scheme hazards to sensory impaired people be kept to a minimum, if they cannot be removed then suitable action should be taken to ensure that people are aware of the risk.

“This can be as simple as colour contrasting obstructions which may be a hazard to visually impaired users.”