AN independent Worcester school is to be ordered to remove a classroom block and assembly hall.

Sunnyside School, in Barbourne Terrace, has been using the temporary accommodation since 1979.

But Worcester City Council planners are set to order the buildings be removed and replaced with permanent structures.

The planning committee is due to meet tomorrow to discuss the proposals and authorise enforcement proceedings.

Temporary planning permission was granted for the buildings in 1979.

Permission was renewed in 1985, 1988, 1992 and 1995.

In November 1995, an application to demolish and reconstruct the buildings was approved.

But, four years later, the "sub-standard" temporary buildings were still in place.

The council contacted the school to either remove the buildings, apply for their retention, implement existing planning permission to redevelop the site or submit new plans for a permanent structure.

But, despite regular contact between the city council and Sunnyside School, no plans have been submitted.

The council wrote to the school in May this year asking for plans to be submitted in order for building work to start in the summer holidays.

"To date, no response has been made to that letter and the last response from the school was that of January 18, 2002 ... stating that the matter was under consideration," said Stuart McNidder, director of development services at Worcester City Council.

"The retention of the existing temporary buildings is undesirable by reason of their siting, materials and appearance.

"The unauthorised development is unacceptable because it is harmful to the character and appearance of the site and the surrounding area."

The school lies within the St George's Square Conservation Area and is next to the Riverside Conservation Area and is contrary to the Local Plan.

Councillors are set to vote that the temporary block is removed by the end of the year.

Co-owner of the school, Colum Gorman, said the school was looking to build a replacement.

"We're currently in discussions with an architect," said Mr Gorman.

"We'd rather keep what we've got but obviously there are rules and regulations to adhere to."