A SCHOOL’S plans to address a “significant shortfall” in assembly and dining space have taken a step forward.

The proposals from Ringwood School for a new assembly hall were approved by New Forest District Council.

Once built, the new building will allow the school to use the existing hall just as a dining area.

At present it has to double up for dining space, theatrical productions, assemblies and exams.

A statement submitted by the school in support of the application said: “The Ringwood School has an urgent need to address a significant shortfall in suitable assembly/dining space.”

The new hall is earmarked for land currently used for parking and will relocate the spaces to elsewhere on the Parsonage Barn Lane site.

One resident had objected to the plans but an NFDC planning officer found there was no reason to reject the scheme.