Three Watford schools have planning applications approved

Schools in Church Street, Rickmansworth Road and Vicarage Road have all had applications given the green light by planning officers, with work set to begin imminently.

1. St Mary's Pre School

The current fence at the site. (Image: Watford Borough Council/ St Mary's Pre School) Plans have been approved for a replacement fence around the external play area at St Mary's Pre School in Church Street.

The school applied for the fence in August, with planning officers approving the proposal on October 25.

The new fence will be higher than the existing one and will be similar in design to the railings that bound the north side of the school.

In a letter setting out its case, the school had said: "The staff of the Preschool have been concerned for some time that this fence is not high enough to prevent someone with malicious intent from reaching over and taking a child."

2. Watford Grammar School for Boys

CGI of what The James Theatre could look like. (Image: Synergy Construction and Property Consultants/Watford Borough Council.) Watford Grammar School for Boys, in Rickmansworth Road, has successfully applied for an expansion to its site.

The school says that The James Theatre – part of a two-storey block which is also used by the English department and school canteen – is currently hampered by a lack of changing and storage space.

This means that backstage space is "extremely limited" and an English classroom has to be used temporarily for productions.

The extension would enable the creation of two new dressing rooms, washing facilities and storage space.

Arguing its case, the school said that the proposal would "immeasurably" improve the theatre. 

Planning officers agreed, giving the green light for work to begin.

• Bushey Fish Bar facing closure as flats plan emerges
• Watford Council plan to sell land to build 65 homes

3. Laurence Haines School

Laurence Haines School (Image: Google Street View) Finally, Laurence Haines School, in Vicarage Road, has given permission to demolish classrooms.

A building, most recently used as classrooms, will be knocked down to build a new soft play area.

The existing building contains two classrooms, an entrance lobby, storage rooms, and bathrooms. 

The plans were submitted in August, with Watford Borough Council now paving the way for work to begin.