Plans to replace windows in a poor state of repair at a Fife primary school have been unveiled.

Fife Council has lodged a planning application for listed building consent to carry out the work at Denend Primary School in Cardenden.

The windows at the B-listed building are around 40 years old, and most have had little attention, with perspex sheets installed to stop glass falling out, and some can no longer be opened.

A supporting statement, submitted as part of the application from the local authority, said: “Although some minor repairs to decaying sills have been carried out, other than the need to repair damage caused by vandalism, most of the windows have had no attention. Some of the existing windows have Perspex sheets screw fixed externally to the face of the frames to protect them from impact, but also to prevent glass falling out

The work is planned at Denend Primary School (Pic: Google Maps)

placeholder image — The work is planned at Denend Primary School (Pic: Google Maps)

“The existing timber framed, single glazed windows are in various states of disrepair, primarily due to external water damage, the effects of condensation internally and a general lack of regular maintenance. Wet sections of timber are suspected of having soft and yielding timber that will only deteriorate and affect the structural integrity of the frames and casements.” This lled to complaints about poor air quality in the building, and concerns of any impact on health issues.

The report recommends replacement rather than adhoc repairs - an approach that has already worked at other schools including Kirkcaldy North and Aberhill primary Schools.

“A further benefit is overall disruption to the running of the school can be significantly reduced as completely replacing a window is less time consuming than repairing. Individual classrooms need only be out of commission for a brief period - normally less than a day.” Councillors will consider the application in due course,