PROPOSALS to extend Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form college have been amended with an application to include off-site parking.

The main plans for the building include the construction of an additional floor to the existing 1960s building, comprising four new classrooms, two break out/other work areas, circulation spaces, storage and roof access at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Vane Terrace.

Further documents have been added to the application relating to off-site car parking. With consultation with Darlington Borough Council, parking for registered vehicles is available at any of the long stay car parks: Archer Street, East Street Multi Storey, Garden Street, Kendrew Street East, Kendrew Street West, Park Place East, Park Place West, Park Lane, and Hird Street.

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The expansion project deals with the need to address overcrowding issues with the existing students on roll; and provide extra accommodation to facilitate the projected increase in students from 2,096 to 2,329 (total increase of 233 students).

The proposal comprises expansion of teaching space by constructing an additional accommodation level on the roof of the existing two-storey building.

The proposed vertical extension will comprise a lightweight building envelope built off the existing structure.

It is accepted that the proposed vertical extension will have an impact on the façade of the existing college as viewed from Vane Terrace.

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The dominance of the original college building is to be maintained and in order that the proposed extension does not detract from this, the proposed height of the extension has been kept lower that the ridge height of the original college building.

In addition, a pitched roof proposal is included to reduce the impact of the vertical extension and ensure that this additional block remains subservient to the original college construction.

The main ethos of the project is to provide new multi-purpose teaching facilities that can be integrated into the existing facilities for ease of operation, and ultimately addressing the college’s ongoing overcrowding issues.