WHAT could have been the most environmentally friendly school in Craven has had to have plans for a uniquely designed roof scrapped.

Architects drafting plans for the new St Stephen's School, in Skipton, proposed introducing a layer of grass on the new classroom blocks so not to detract from the surrounding area.

The low growing grass covered roofs would also have had a more practical purpose in that they would have protected the flat roofs from damage caused by extreme weather changes.

However concern over maintenance of the grass has led teachers and governors at the school to ask for a more traditional roof.

Headmaster Peter Thompson said: "Environmentally it had its plus signs but the rainfall throughout the year and the way we would have to look after it, and the possible mess were negatives."

Now architects Wales, Wales and Rawson have designed the new school incorporating six new classrooms which will be stepped up the avenue from the existing hall on Gargrave Road.

In the final plans, submitted to Craven District Council planners last week, the grass roof has been replaced by a cascade of curved roofs which follow the slope.

Architect Peter Harrison said: "The shape of these roofs allow each classroom to benefit from both views over Skipton to the south and from valuable north light, reducing the school's need for artificial lighting, and continuing the ecologically sound approach to design that was established at the outset of this project."

The DfEE approved the scheme to build a new school for 150 pupils in February but since then the governors have successfully campaigned to have the size of the replacement school enlarged to cater for 180 pupils.

It is expected that the £290,000 grant, with £810,000 to follow annually already agreed by the DfEE will be increased to accommodate the extra pupils.

A separate application has been approved by North Yorkshire Education Authority and included in the plans to Craven District Council to build a nursery at the top of the site with its own separate entrance and garden.

Playgrounds will be provided at the top and bottom of the site and the area between the new school and main avenue to St Stephen's Church will be terraced to provide informal sitting and teaching spaces outside each classroom.

Mr Thompson said: " I think we have a nice, new school and I think it is exciting for the future."

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