A school under "continuous pressure" to take more pupils has launched a new attempt to double its capacity.

Fairways School, which caters for pupils with special educational needs, has had to use temporary classrooms since a blaze broke out at its site in New Road, Swanwick, in July 2021.

Now, proposals to construct new school buildings and a new parking area have been submitted to Fareham Borough Council.

Fairways sought advice from the authority after a previous plan to redevelop the site was turned down in 2023.

A planning statement that accompanies the latest application says: "The advice provided strong support for the replacement of the temporary school buildings with new buildings, and for additional buildings to meet the need for an increase in school places."

The main building at Fairways School in New Road, Swanwick, was badly damaged by fire in 2021The main building at Fairways School in New Road, Swanwick, was badly damaged by fire in 2021 (Image: BJC Planning)

The statement says the site no longer meets the school's needs.

Fairways is seeking consent to build a new complex capable of accommodating up to 30 pupils - twice the previous number.

READ MORE: New main building could spring up at fire-ravaged Fairways School in Swanwick

The school had 20 pupils on its roll at the time of the fire. However, the main building could accommodate only 15 at a time, which meant the other five had to take part in activities off site.

The statement says the school is coming under "continuous pressure" to accept more children.

The main building at Fairways School before the fireThe main building at Fairways School before the fire (Image: Supplied)

It adds: "Fairways wishes to build new buildings, both to improve facilities and also to allow for additional pupils, due to the constant demand from Hampshire County Council for additional school places.

"The application proposes to dismantle all the modular units and replace these with new buildings for teaching purposes."

READ MORE: Fairways School refused consent to construct new main building

Fairways says the units will be moved to the existing parking/drop-off area to provide extra reception, office, and creative learning spaces.

"The new buildings and parking area will involve the removal of some trees and other vegetation. But the plans include significant new areas of planting around the new parking area and in a strip along the southern boundary.

"The latter will provide a clear separation between the areas used by pupils and adjoining neighbours.

"The development will provide a safe and stimulating environment for children with educational needs and allow for additional children to be educated on site, including children currently on a waiting list.

"Fairways met with local residents and neighbours and welcomed the generally positive response received."

The newly-published application has already sparked a letter of support.

It says: "The plans look fantastic and it will be a pleasure to see it built. Great for both the students and the staff."