A PRIOR approval application has been made for the demolition of disused school buildings.

Plans have been put forward to flatten the former Penkford School, on Wharf Road, in Newton-le-Willows.

The former school site has been empty since Penkford relocated to the site of the former Red Bank Education Unit in 2022, under its new name Willow Bank, and caters for children with special educational needs.

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An application form on the council's planning portal states that the "existing buildings are disused" and are "deemed beyond economic repair".

It states the proposed method is a "controlled demolition".

Plans add: "The site will be cleared of all buildings. Concrete floor slabs, tarmac surfaces, playgrounds, footpaths and car park areas will remain".

The former Penkford School siteThe former Penkford School site (Image: Google Street View)

Council planners are expected to make a determination as to whether prior approval will be required for the demolition by Friday, August 23. 

The application is on standard consultation to the public until Monday, August 19.

The Star reported in July after travellers had set up an encampment at the location.