A PROPOSAL to extend and refurbish Barry-based Welsh-medium Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg will be put to planners on Thursday, June 27.

The proposals include a new reception area; new sports and IT block; a new design and technology block; and link 'circulation' extension.

A multi-use games area (MUGA), comprising of six tarmac courts, has been proposed as have a 3G all-weather pitch and coach/mini bus drop off/pick up zone.

Vale council, deputy leader and cabinet member for education and regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett said: ‘The council is excited to be progressing the designs for the expansion and refurbishments planned for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg and has been working closely with the school in developing solutions to support 21st century learning environments.

“This programme will help meet the growing demand for Welsh medium education in the Vale - enhancing the secondary provision available to those who choose to study through the medium of Welsh.”

The Vale council report, to be put before the planning committee, said: "The extensions are considered to be of a size and massing that are in keeping with the existing school complex, such that they would not appear over scaled in this context.

"The new entrance and circulation block would be more contemporary in appearance, while the sports, IT and DT blocks would be more conventional/utilitarian in form and appearance.

"The existing complex already comprises a relatively eclectic group of buildings and it is considered that the proposed designs (which each relate in appearance and character to one or more elements of the existing school) are compatible with the existing buildings and would not appear visually incongruous."

Secondary school building expansion would increase pupil capacity from 1,361 to 1,660 with 250 being sixth form pupils.

There are currently 1,333 pupils - 1,015 primary and secondary with 118 in the sixth form.

Six neighbouring properties have raised concerns about the detrimental impact on traffic and congestion on Port Road and Colcot Road, noise pollution - particularly in respect of the outdoor pitches - light pollution and the lack of synergy between the proposal and that for next door Whitmore High School site.

Barry Town Council planners support the proposed development.

Vale planning officers have recommended the committee approves the scheme.