PLANS to extend an agricultural college building have been permitted.

Kirkley Hall, a Northumberland College campus based near Ponteland and which is managed by Education Partnership North East, submitted an application to Northumberland County Council at the end of last year to build a two-storey side extension to provide new refectory and classroom facilities.

The Kielder Building, which currently houses teaching facilities including classrooms, IT resources and SEND facilities, will be extended to the north, into an unutilised area of the site which is currently landscaped with turf.

Plans show the extension will measure 758m2 and will be the same height as the existing college building, and the material palette of the extension would also match the building's existing external materials.

A planning statement prepared by agents Curtis PDS on behalf of the applicant said the extension is required to "provide high-quality and functional classroom facilities and ancillary spaces as well as a kitchen and dining facility for existing students".

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"The extension will allow these facilities to be integrated into the existing teaching building encouraging inclusion, equality and accessibility," the statement added.

"The aim of the proposal is to create a seamless extension that feels, looks and is part of the existing building and immediate site context."

A design and access statement added: "There are currently some refectory and kitchen facilities on the campus, however these facilities are very limited and are located away from the main spaces of the central campus and the Kielder building.

"The refectory is an important area within any college, this is a social space which provides students the opportunity to meet and collaborate with peers, with a focus on the provision of balanced nutrition which in term aids learning."

The proposed extension is to provide improved classroom and dining facilities for existing students, and it will not result in any increased staff or student numbers, the statement said.