GONE will be the days of braving all weathers for PE outside if Pamphill First School's application for a new hall is given the go-ahead.

Much of the small hamlet school dates back to 1698 and for years it has dreamt of expanding to make room for more activities, including indoor PE when the weather is wet.

Now that dream looks a step closer to coming true as planning chiefs at Dorset County Council consider whether to grant permission for the new building, which would take up around 120 square metres on the back of the school site.

The new hall would cost around £380,000 and will be jointly funded by the school and the county council.

Head teacher Barbara Thomas said: "The hall that's here at the moment is not suitable for PE and dance. We've been waiting for a better facility for many years. As soon as the hall is secured we'll start fund-raising for equipment to go in it.

"Up until now they've had to do PE outside whatever the weather and we've been unable to provide certain areas of the curriculum.

"With the new hall the school will be able to take more children and will have an extra classroom and resource room in the old hall."

The new hall would take up a large area of the playground but the National Trust has agreed to release some of its neighbouring land for an extended play area.

Phase two of the building work would see £120,000 ploughed into creating link corridors and remodelling of the circulation of the building - increasing the size of the classrooms. Work could start as soon as January and be completed by September.

The plans for the hall can be viewed at East Dorset District Council in Furzehill. Representations must be received by October 29.

First published: October 14