Plans have been submitted to rebuild a school and build 306 new homes on part of its site.

In the first of two stories, the Borehamwood Times looks at the final plans for a new school development and 306 homes

A planning application for the development of Hertswood Academy, which currently occupies two sites in Cowley Hill and Thrift Farm Lane, has been received by Hertsmere Borough Council.

A new three-storey building in Cowley Hill will entirely replace the need for the upper school site.

Proposals include access from Cowley Hill and Potters Lane and two car parks, along with temporary classrooms during the construction period.

The community sports centre will now be demolished six months before the completion of the new centre, while two new squash courts have been added to plans following a public consultation earlier this year.

Hertswood headteacher Peter Gillett said: “It’s about providing a world class school for the area, with world class facilities for the community – facilities that the community deserve.

“We are very excited about the plans and we hope it will provide for current and future students, because it’s not just about our children here – it’s about our children’s children too.”

The school’s upper site at Thrift Farm Lane will be demolished to make way for 306 homes built by developer Bellway. The homes will include 43 one-bed and 108 two-bed flats, and 67 three-bed and 88 four-bed houses.

Homes will be accessed from two points along Shenley Road, and will be split into four areas: the Studio Quarter, Holmshill Mews, Thrift Farm Woods and Hertswood Avenue.

Hertsmere Borough Council is now sending letters to neighbours of the proposed developments, letting them know how they can submit their views.

Councillor Harvey Cohen, who is responsible for planning and localism, said: "There's an opportunity now for interested parties to look at the proposed schemes and submit their comments.

“Any views expressed by the public will be taken into account in a report that will be presented at the committee and by councillors determining the application."

A planning decision is anticipated on June 2, 2015, and if approved the new academy building is expected to be finally completed by Christmas 2017.

Applications and designs can be found online. Find out what will happen to the Ark Theatre site here.

To comment on the plans, write to Hertsmere Borough Council Planning Department, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1WA, email consult.planning@hertsmere.gov.uk or call 020 8207 2277.