PLANS to extend a Darlington primary school will be decided by planning officials next month.

St Bede’s RC Primary School, near Thompson Street East, Darlington, has applied to Darlington Borough Council for planning permission to extend their reception class to cater for 15 new pupils.

The proposals also include plans for a single-storey extension to the north of the site to create two new classrooms, an internal courtyard area, a new toilet block and the relocation of a covered outdoor play area. If approved, ten new parking spaces will also be built.

The plans have attracted a number of objections from nearby residents who raise concerns over parking at the school and in the surrounding residential streets.

In a report prepared for the council’s planning applications committee, one objector said: “The estate is very busy now with cars. The cars that come to the school don’t seem to care where they park.”

Planning officers have been recommended to approve the plans, subject to a number of conditions.

The report states: “The proposed extensions are considered acceptable in design terms and they would not raise any residential amenity issues.

“Additional staff parking spaces have been provided within the site and these spaces along with the existing spaces within the vicinity of the school are considered sufficient to cater for the potential increases in staff and pupils over the seven year period.”

The council's planning applications committee will consider whether to grant permission when it meets on Wednesday, April 2.