A development application to construct the two-storey teaching building, which will cover 3620 square metres, has just been lodged by the university with Armidale Dumaresq Council.

The proposed works would replace existing teaching facilities on Trevenna Road and will be part of the agricultural integrated education precinct at the university.

It has previously said developments in the areas of agriculture and animal science would lead to an expected 20 per cent increase to student numbers in these fields over the next few years.

The building is planned to house biology and chemistry labs to be used by first year students, as well as tutorial rooms, specialised work rooms and a teaching museum.

It will also include spaces for postgraduate work at the University of New England.

Plans for the building include a multi-level atrium and large glazed areas leading to the laboratories.

As part of the process the university had to lodge a bush fire protection assessment, fire safety design for the building, a sustainability report, acoustic report, flora and fauna assessment, and an environmental effects assessment.

The application will be assessed by the Northern Regional Joint Planning Panel for the project’s capital investment value.