A SCHOOL is hoping to build a log-cabin-style structure to house a breakfast and after-school club for pupils. How Wood Primary in Spooners Drive, Park Street, has submitted a planning application to St Albans District Council for the building on an area

A SCHOOL is hoping to build a log-cabin-style structure to house a breakfast and after-school club for pupils.

How Wood Primary in Spooners Drive, Park Street, has submitted a planning application to St Albans District Council for the building on an area where a swimming pool was filled in about four years ago.

There would be about 75 square metres of internal floor space which is expected to accommodate between 10 and 16 children for activities out of school hours.

A spokesperson for the school said it had attempted to use the existing building for that purpose but the hall was taken up with other clubs while the classrooms were occupied by teachers - leaving only the dining area which was unsuitable.

She added: "We want to be able to offer the parents of children from our local community good quality childcare. Between 10 and 16 children would be able to attend the breakfast and after-school club, which we know is a service our parents want to use."

She added: "There are very few registered childminders in the area so it would be a real bonus for parents to be able to bring their children to a safe and stimulating environment before and after school."

The planning application was called-in for a decision at a planning committee by local district councillor Aislinn Lee. But she emphasised that her action was not due to the design or any contravention of planning policy but the public interest in the proposal.

Cllr Lee and the school organised a meeting last week to discuss the proposal with local residents. She said the school was working hard to appease any concerns and had insisted upon the log-cabin design rather than the less aesthetically-pleasing standard mobile units normally used in such circumstances.