BUILDINGS at the former Penkford School in Newton-le-Willows site look set to be demolished.

The council’s application to determine if “prior approval” is required for the proposed demolition work at the site, on Wharf Road, will come before the council’s planning committee on Tuesday.

According to a report to the committee, the application site comprises single-storey buildings that have been used in association with the former Penkford School.

“This application seeks the decision of the local planning authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority is required as to the method of demolition and any proposed restoration of the site, for the demolition of the school buildings,” it says.

“The existing high wire mesh fencing along the boundary of the site is to be retained on completion to secure the site.

“All existing underground utilities would be disconnected and terminated.

“All asbestos materials would be removed, to be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor and disposed to a licensed waste facility.

“All slabs and tarmac hard standing (i.e., roads, playground, concrete floor slabs, and ca rpark areas) would remain as existing.”

In the report, it says the proposed demolition is “considered acceptable” and “not considered to unduly impact” the surrounding land, highway network, residential amenity, trees, or ecology.

“The method of demolition and information of the site finish and restoration contained within the application are considered to be acceptable,” it adds.

The recommendation is that “prior approval” is required and is granted, subject to conditions.

The conditions include that the demolition must be carried out within a period of five years from the date of the approval.

Furthermore, no demolition works are to take place during the period March 1 to August 31 inclusive.

And if it is “necessary” to undertake works during the bird breeding season then all buildings are to be “checked first by an appropriately experienced ecologist to ensure no breeding birds are present”.

Details of how they will be protected, if present, must be included within the demolition method statement and submitted for approval.