THE proposed six-classroom expansion of a primary school has been hailed as a 'win-win situation' that will help to keep children in Blackrod.

The plans submitted by Blackrod Primary School are for a two-storey extension at the rear of the school, which would be linked to the building via a single-storey corridor.

Members of Blackrod Town Council welcomed the plans and voted unanimously to support the planning application at a recent meeting.

Cllr John Price, who represents Blackrod North, said: "It is a welcome addition because it is obviously what Blackrod needs. It will help to stop Blackrod children being allocated spaces at schools outside the village.

"Anything we can do to avoid that is brilliant. Obviously the school itself is an exceptional school so it is a win-win situation."

The planned extension comes after Bolton Council increased the number of pupils going into reception from 30 to 45 last year following a record demand for places, caused by a rising birth rate and the closure of Scot Lane End Primary in 2008.

This increase means the school in Manchester Road will grow from 210 to 315 pupils over the next four years.

A design and access statement submitted with the application said: "The new rooms to the extension will mainly consist of six new classrooms, a resource area, WCs, stores, ancillary spaces and circulation.

"The existing building will largely remain the same with some internal refurbishment. The rooms generally consist of academic classrooms, offices, WCs and ancillary spaces.

"There will be a slight increase to the rear hard play area to meet the children’s basic needs and fall in line with the guidelines of BB103 to accommodate the increased number of children."

There would be no chance to the external features of the existing building and the extension would be clad in dark grey or black brick.

To view the plans, search for reference number 01660/17 at planningpa.bolton.gov.uk