Official plans to reconstruct and relocate a primary school in Sunderland have been formally submitted to council development chiefs.
An application has been received by the planning department of Sunderland City Council, seeking permission for a "new single-storey Catholic primary school building" for St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, on land north of Stockton Road in Ryhope.
The Department for Education (DfE) is behind the application, which seeks approval to construct a new school along with a "new sports pitch, outdoor PE court, outdoor informal play space, new pedestrian footpath from Halifax Place to Beechbrooke, new vehicular access and associated parking."
It's understood that this development forms part of the Government's School Rebuilding Programme, and will provide a new replacement facility for St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, currently located nearby on Smith Street.
The proposed location for the new school is adjacent to Stockton Road, Halifax Place and Smith Street South, surrounded by residential properties and neighbouring Beechbrooke Park.
Earlier this year (2025), a request for a " screening opinion" was submitted to Sunderland City Council. This was to determine whether an environmental impact assessment was necessary before submitting a detailed planning application, marking a crucial stage in the planning process.
Supporting documents lodged with the screening opinion at the time highlighted that the "DfE and the school seek to develop a facility that is centred on community learning, with a library sufficient to support a full class in reading, and separate practical teaching provision".
It was highlighted that "no works are proposed to the existing school site as part of this scheme, with options for its re-use to be discussed and confirmed in the future."
A planning application has now been lodged for the new primary school, with members of the public able to examine designs and supporting documents and submit comments via the council's planning portal website.
A "planning and open space statement" lodged with council officials highlighted the school relocation is "necessary to ensure the school can continue to provide high-quality education in modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation that meet current standards and future needs".
It was highlighted that the new primary school would feature a library, assembly/dining hall, nursery and teaching rooms, as well as "staff and SEN facilities and a practical classroom".
Other proposed facilities feature a "new under 9/10s sports pitch, an outdoor PE outdoor court [and] new informal outdoor play spaces", along with new tree planting, new pedestrian and vehicular access from Stockton Road and 24 parking spaces, including two EV accessible spaces and cycle parking. The new school is set to "provide a capacity for 236 pupils" and it's proposed that "a new vehicular and pedestrian access is proposed from Stockton Road, with a secondary pedestrian access from Halifax Place", according to the plans.
Planning documents from the applicant stated "it is intended that the existing school will remain open during construction of the new school, allowing phasing to be a more straightforward process".
The planning and open space statement further adds: "The new school will bring a range of social and environmental benefits to pupils and staff in creating a high-quality environment in which to teach and learn.
"While the site is identified as 'amenity greenspace' within the council's now-revoked Greenspace Audit, it is not formally designated as 'open space' within the adopted development plan.
"The former Greenspace Audit identified the site as being of low value, falling below the council's quality standard.
"The proposed development will enhance the site's quality through substantial new green infrastructure, landscaping, planting, informal play area, and the delivery of a sports pitch and PE court.
"While this space will no longer be fully publicly accessible, it will continue to contribute positively to visual amenity and local character.
"The replacement greenspace within the school grounds will provide higher functionality, better maintenance, and purposeful use for the pupils.
"Overall, the proposal represents sustainable development that responds to an identified local need for the expansion of the Catholic primary school provision in Ryhope, delivering significant educational, social, and environmental benefits.
"These benefits clearly outweigh the limited harm arising from the loss of this low-value greenspace."
The current Ryhope primary school is operated by the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust and education bosses have previously praised progress on the scheme.
Paul Harrison, head of service at Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, speaking in July, 2025, said the trust was "incredibly proud of this project and grateful to all those supporting its delivery" and noted the "new school is scheduled to open in Spring 2027".
"Highlights include an open-plan library, a dedicated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classroom and a modern performance hall to enhance pupils' talents in the performing arts," he added.
"Outdoor spaces will be transformed too, with a new multi use games area (MUGA) and a sports field providing fantastic opportunities for physical activity and team sports.
"The new building will be carbon neutral, powered by a ground source heat pump and a large rooftop solar array, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and future generations."
Jane Ward, the executive headteacher of St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, speaking in July 2025, stated "St Patrick's sits at the very heart of the community and has served its families for over 130 years".
She further added that the new school would "build on that legacy", with the institution "working closely with our DfE colleagues" to ensure the new site "will deliver the very best education for the children and families of Ryhope for generations to come."
A verdict on the planning application is anticipated after a council consultation process.
The planning portal website of Sunderland City Council indicates a decision deadline of 31 January 2026.
For additional details on the St Patrick's Catholic Primary School development, visit the planning portal website of Sunderland City Council and search reference: 25/02698/PS4.
For the most recent public notices from your area, please visit: https://publicnoticeportal.uk.