Wiltshire Council has approved plans for a new student accommodation building at Braeside outdoor education centre in Devizes.

According to the application, two existing accommodation buildings known as ‘The Beeches’ and ‘The Laurels’ need replacing.

The new building will be 414m2 and will provide accommodation for 80 young people and 12 members of staff, across two floors, each of which will have a lounge and kitchenette.

The accommodation would be kept smaller to the main building at Braeside, which dates back to 1912.

The proposal states: “The architectural and landscape design of the project would be sympathetic in terms of character, scale, materials and detail.

“The new elements would respect the existing building and the setting of the site itself.”

It adds: “This project represents an excellent opportunity to improve the educational facilities at Braeside by upgrading the amount, quality and type of accommodation that would be available for the various school and student groups.”

The education centre has offered residential outdoor learning experiences for young people and adults for over 50 years.

Braeside offers activities such as climbing, archery and team-building exercises.

Devizes Town Council and Rowde Parish Council supported the application and the retention of outdoor education at this site.