‘SUBSTANDARD’ buildings at a high school could be demolished to make way for better facilities.

A planning application to create a two or three-storey learning space as well as an external walkway, a glazed roof canopy from the music block, a new caretaker building and improved playground facilities at Bowland High School, in Grindleton, has been recommended for approval by Lancashire County Council.

The reconfiguration would also result in the provision of 58 parking spaces, an increase of 13.

The Sawley Road school, which has around 530 pupils, is set to find out on Wednesday if it will definitely get the go-ahead for the work.

A spokesman for the council said in a report to the development control committee that the work was necessary to make sure the school could deliver a ‘modern curriculum’.

He said: “The development would result in the replacement of substandard school buildings which currently do not provide adequate accommodation or facilities for the pupils or staff at the school.

“The school catchment area is substantial and is mainly the rural Ribble Valley parishes.

“It is considered that the development is essential in providing contemporary educational facilities appropriate to the delivery of the modern curriculum.”

Headteacher John Tarbox said it was hoped work would be able to be started by the end of the year.

In a newsletter to parents, he said: “We would aim to get moving on the project immediately.

“We now anticipate a completion date of March 2015.

“I hope to have some positive news for everybody regarding planning permission shortly after we return from the summer holidays.”