CONTROVERSIAL plans to build an extension to a primary school in Clayton-le-Moors, creating 60 new school places, have have been given the green light.

Lancashire County Council's development control sub-committee approved proposals to build an assembly hall and entrance foyer in the playground of Mount Pleasant County Primary School, in Earl Street.

Headteacher Anne Duke said: "This is very good news for the school and for parents." Mrs Duke said that a timetable for the work, which includes two new classrooms, had not yet been finalised as the school had been waiting to hear the county council's decision.

Councillors, who made the decision at a special meeting yesterday at Accrington Town Hall, had earlier delayed their decision so that a site visit could take place.

Objectors sent letters and a 41-signature petition to the county council, claiming that the large, high building would be too near their homes, causing an invasion of their privacy. They also feared there would be more congestion near the school because the changes would provide 60 new places for pupils and building work would cause disruption and possible damage to house foundations and the drainage system.

A report to the committee by planning officers recommended that the plans be approved. It stated that the new assembly hall will free up space within the existing building to create two much-needed new classrooms at a school which is over-subscribed.

Officers said there would be no loss of privacy because the building will be on lower ground than the surrounding houses.

A condition of the granted application is that access times for work vehicles be limited to avoid any danger to children.

A timetable for the work is yet to be finalised.

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