Senior Pembrokeshire councillors have backed a £815,000 scheme to replace a deteriorating and obsolete temporary school building.

At the July meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to approve the provision of a new modular building at Ysgol Brynconin, Llandysilio, at an estimated project value of £815,129, with a total council contribution of £725,129 and an external grant of £90,000.

A report for members stated: “At the meeting of Cabinet held on February 10, members considered a report in relation to a proposal to provide a modular building to replace an obsolete HORSA cabin situated at the rear of Ysgol Brynconin.

“In response to confirmation from Building Maintenance colleagues that the HORSA cabin has reached the end of its useful life and can no longer be maintained to a reasonable order, a feasibility exercise was undertaken in 2024 with a view to ascertaining the cost of a replacement. This was based on project completion in September 2025.

“However, given the delay in obtaining approval for funding and the anticipated risks attached to the removal of asbestos from the current building, such a programme cannot be completed before the 2026 autumn term. The total project cost is estimated at £815,129.”

HORSA buildings were originally designed as temporary structures, typically constructed using prefabricated concrete, timber, and steel to facilitate rapid assembly. Although intended for short-term use, many HORSA buildings have remained in operation for decades. Over time, these structures have surpassed their intended lifespan, leading to significant structural issues, such as weakened frames, deteriorating roofs and external facades.

The report added: “Following a site visit to the school on December 18, and as previously reported to Cabinet, it can be confirmed that the external structure has rapidly declined, with the render board failing and allowing water ingress into the areas of external wall insulation.

“Internally, significant areas of wall surfaces have failed due to the water ingress, with evidence of long-standing, isolated repairs being carried out. There is also evidence of deflection in the roof between the main frames. The brickwork is showing clear signs of deterioration, with large areas of loose masonry at low levels. The substructure is also exhibiting signs of wear and degradation around the external envelope. A full inspection of the roof void was not possible due to the presence of multiple layers of ceiling insulation, which obstructed visual access to the frame.”

Members backed the approval of the works.