A Newquay secondary school’s redevelopment plans will be “music to the ears” of students, staff and the community.

Newquay Tretherras has submitted a planning application to extend and alter the “outdated” music department, which it deems to be “too small”.

The scheme includes three classrooms, several practice rooms, a large performance space, new toilet facilities, storage space, a staff room and a sixth form break out space.

The proposed music department aims to “attract students to engage with music” and “set the bar to a new level.” The facility has also been designed as a stand-alone unit, which will enable the space to be let to the community, out of school hours.

Community expression of interest has already been received from various music bodies and local bands as well as well local youth wishing to use the building to practise music at weekends and over the school holiday periods.

Planning consultancy Situ8 on behalf of the Cornwall Education Learning Trust, which runs Newquay Trertherras, said: ”Consent is sought for the extension of the existing music department buildings at Newquay Tretherras, with the works replacing existing timber cabins, infilling areas between existing buildings and physically extending buildings within the proposed site area.

“The current music department is outdated and too small to accommodate the number of students wishing to study music, within this large secondary school, and the department is no longer functional or practical in its current state.

“Individual classes of 30 students, using instruments, accompanied by lack of storage space for musical equipment, has increased pressure on the teaching environment and standards of education.

“After intensive consultation with all stakeholders within the school, and the immediate community, the school management has decided to re-focus its energies to provide exemplar facilities for music students, enhancing the educational offering and opportunities for music qualifications within the curriculum.

“With the support of Cornwall Education Leaning Trust, there is a time critical opportunity to invest in the refurbishment and extension of the current facilities, which are located to the south-east of the school.”

Newquay Town Council’s planning committee has voted to support the plans.

A spokesperson said: “Councillors expressed their strong support for the provision of this new facility, which it is hoped will benefit students for years to come.

“In line with Neighbourhood Plan policy G2(e) councillors queried whether the applicant had explored opportunities for including high levels of environmental sustainability, such as renewable energy sources and rainwater harvesting, as part of the overall design.

“As an additional sustainability measure, councillors also encouraged incorporating bird and bee boxes into the build and requested that opportunities for 'grey water recycling' be considered within the scheme.”

Cornwall Council is due to have the final say on the planning application.