Iconic buildings that have seen thousands of pupils pass though their doors are to be demolished if plans put before Monmouthshire County Council are approved.

Monmouth School have applied to pull down the Red Lion building, currently housing the English and history departments, the geography and language building, known to many as the LGA block, and the 1970s-built dining hall to make way for a new linked building incorporating teaching, dining, caterina, reception, headmaster's and other office accommodation.

The new building, referred to in the plans as 'The Heart' would be "of a slightly larger area and mass" to provide an equivalent facility of modern standards "consistent with the school's drive to ensure that it remains competitive in the educational sector within which it operates."

The site sits within the Monmouth Conservation Area and is in close proximity to listed buildings.

Care has been taken to ensure that "the setting of listed buildings is not compromised by the proposals".

The plans were discussed at Monmouth Town Council's planning meeting last night (Tuesday 4th January).