Lyme Regis Town Council has backed plans for a new development at The Woodroffe School.

The proposal is for a new two-storey teaching and library block on the south side of the campus by the school’s hard court.

The ground floor will consist of a library, toilets, office space, storerooms and ancillary space.

Meanwhile, the first floor will consist of three general classrooms, a small room for group work, toilets, office space and a storeroom.

If accepted, the proposal would provide the necessary replacement facilities for library and teaching accommodation currently provided in the school’s ROSLA block, meaning the school would effectively be moving these facilities to the new block.

A report which went before councillors said the new building has been designed to reflect the ‘scale and massing of the existing teaching blocks, as well as the rhythm of the surrounding context.”

Since 2014, the school has seen an increase in the number of its pupils from 168 to 174.

Cllr Brian Larcombe said: “I thought the design and brickwork is in keeping with the old part of the school. I think it will match really well.”

Cllr Stan Williams was concerned about more students attending the school as a result of the new development.

He said: “What concerns me is there’s more and more people, more and more traffic, it’s quite frightening out there in the mornings and teatime. The amount of traffic, there’s about six or seven coaches.”

Cllr Michaela Ellis responded: “But it’s a school, what’s it for an hour in the morning and half an hour in the afternoon? what can you do about it.”

Cllr Larcombe added: “I think it’ll look good when it’s done, but I take the point about the numbers.”

Cllr Williams also claimed: “They’re talking about moving the whole thing (The school) – it would be in Devon, they’ve got land at the top of the hill you see.”

Dan Watts, Headteacher of The Woodroffe School, said: “We are very grateful for the support from the local community including the town council with regards to the proposed new teaching block. The facility will help to support the excellent education provided by The Woodroffe School.”

Addressing the claims about moving the school to Devon, Mr Watts said: “You may be aware we own playing fields at the top of Lyme Regis valley in Devon. In the past there had been some talk about whether there is potential to redevelop the site up there, but we have no plans in the pipeline, there have been no discussions about that. At the end of the day the current site is being supported with development, it would not make sense to move.”

The plans will go to Dorset Council’s planning committee for a final decision.