HOLMES Chapel Comprehensive School is earmarked for an extension to the reception and entrance to improve its facilities and make it more welcoming.

Planning approval is sought from Cheshire East Council for the work, which would take place over the summer holidays.

The application is for a single storey extension with a feature canopy roof. The proposed area is to the east of an external student social space, where permission has been granted for a new external canopy and landscaped area.

A report said: “The primary driver for this project is the school’s wish to improve the facilities offered to staff and students, to attract prospective students and to create a safe and welcoming parent and visitor space.

“Pivotal to this is to improve the school’s outward appearance and entry experience. Currently, the school entrance and reception are hard to distinguish from the school buildings and do not act a clear focal point.

“Furthermore, the current reception space is not large enough to accommodate the needs of the school as it does not incorporate a meeting space or lobby.

“The proposed extension to the entrance offers a more positive and engaging experience for students and visitors, and ties in to planned external landscape works and the addition of a new canopy to the student’s social space. This extension creates an improved entry experience for staff, students and visitors of the school.

“The extension consists of a new lobby and a small meeting room adjoined to the current reception space.

“The space will primarily be used as an entry destination for visitors to the school, with the lobby providing additional room for seating and circulation. The proposed building provides a high-quality addition to the school’s estate.”