A top grammar school in Grantham is seeking to demolish its Church Hall, which it describes as "shabby and unattractive."

The Kings School at 1 Brook Street has applied to South Kesteven District Council to replace it with a modern-looking modular building.

The planning application said: "The Church Hall owned by The King's School was purchased from the Diocese some years ago and has been used as an overflow classroom for educational purposes.

"It is an old building, estimated 40-50 years, and was not in great condition when purchased. The original intention was to demolish the current building and build a new classroom block."

Plans for the new blocks were approved by the district council but since funding was not secured by the school the 'unaffordable' project was not carried out.

The application continued: "Furthermore, the trustees of The King's School have directed that the refurbishment of the Church Hall (application S20/2040) is not to be progressed.

"Following discussions, the new proposal is that the Church Hall is demolished such is the current state, and a modular building should be erected in its place to ensure a better solution to both the aesthetics of the current building, and also a much improved standard of teaching accommodation for King's school students.

"In addition the site would be improved by removing overgrown foliage, repairing or replacing fences as required and constructing a more appropriate entrance to the site from the school grounds.

"The current Church Hall is in an ever worsening state of repair and is no longer suitable for education purposes."

The application said the school looked at various options and concluded a new modular building will provide suitable teaching accommodation for at least 25 years, and would comply with all building regulations, including fire resistance.

The current "overgrown and unattractive foliage and rotting fence panels" would also be removed.

The application continued: "The current structure is shabby and unattractive with a dishevelled exterior containing asbestos which we can remove from site as part of the replacement project.

"The current building looks particularly out of place considering the nearest adjacent building is a Grade I listed building.

"The demolition and replacement proposal provides a timely opportunity to improve the look and utility for this part of the school estate. The funding is available now provided we are able to move quickly."

The school also said: "The current Church Hall is in a perilous state of repair and accordingly is not in use.

"Weather over the winter period caused additional water ingress rendering the internal space unusable."

"The current site was used as a single classroom in one part and a storage area (not suitable for education purposes) in the other. The kitchen area was not used and the toilets not used recently due to their poor state of repair."

The application also concluded: "The new Modular Classroom is a much-needed addition to the school's curriculum and expanding pupil numbers and will be constructed to enhance the aesthetics, and the character of the existing site whilst improving facilities at The King's School.

"It will also support the safeguarding and support needs by enhanced visibility of the building through the railings and effectively make it a part of the main school site, reducing the risk to current students from trip hazards and removing the asbestos materials from the site."