The Willows Pre-School plans three new buildings in $650,000 upgrade

While the new rooms would not lead to an increase in the pre-school's capacity it would create more room for existing clients.

The Willows Pre-School and Early Learning Centre has a development application before Orange City Council for the work, which is on public exhibition until Thursday July 9.

Three separate buildings would house an art space, a science and discovery area and a rooms dedicated for meals with a kitchen.

The submission said they would be single-storey, brick veneer structures.

It said due to hot temperatures and COVID-19 it needed to provide more inside space for children.

"It is not our plan to increase numbers at The Willows, it is our plan to offer our existing clients more dedicated spaces indoors especially now that our temperatures regularly reach 35 degrees for periods of more than 10 days," it said.

"And having had had air quality so poor this year we were forced to stay indoors.

"In the aftermath of COVID-19 we are re-thinking our ability to socially isolate to prevent the spread of seasonal influenzas.

"Increased floor space will make this possible."

It said the new buildings would replace the art studio and science laboratory housed in the senior pre-school.

The submission said the new buildings would not dominate the landscape or create issues for neighbouring residents.

The centre opened in 2002 with 39 children. A junior pre-school was added in 2006 and a senior pre-school in 2011. The current capacity is 104 children.