The planning application for the massive £8.5m project to reshape Dartmouth Academy's school campus is in.

The application with more than 70 sets of plans and documents ranging from archaeological statements and bat surveys to landscaping and sports pitch provision was submitted to South Hams planners at the end of June and went 'live' on July 16.

The district council has got 13 weeks to put the application before the council's development management committee, although no date has yet been set.

The last day for comments on the application has been set for August 10.

The huge project includes the construction of new classroom and other major facilities for the all-through academy, to bring the campus into the 21st century.

It even includes a new restaurant designed by Dartmouth chef Mitch Tonks which will be open to the public when the school is not using it for lunches.

The 'vision' for the project also includes many hi tech and environmentally friendly features.

The Abingdon-based construction company Leadbitters has been given the job of building the project.

The plans for the new school were first unveiled in May this year to give the community a chance to comment.

If the plans are finally approved, it is hoped to start construction work in the next few months with a build time of 18 months.