PLANS to build a school to accomodate pupils being taught in temporary buildings are likely to be approved.

St Cuthbert's RC Primary School, in Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street, has four temporary classrooms and a main building which dates back to 1926.

A planning application has been submitted to Chester-le-Street District Council to replace the portable buildings and the flat-roofed extensions with two new wings, attached to the main Victorian school.

Both sections will have three classrooms, cloakrooms and offices and will be connected to the main school through glazed walkways.

A 27-space parking area will be built on the site where the temporary buildings now stand.

Last year, North Durham MP Kevan Jones visited the school to see how money was being raised for the buildings.

The development will cost about £2.5m and ten per cent has to be raised by the school.

Headteacher Sean Brown yesterday said they were still trying to secure the cash.

He said: "We're still working on the fundraising. It's a lot of money but at least we are making good progress.

"The important thing about the school is it will become more secure.

"This will bring everything under one roof. We will have up-to-date disability access, proper ICT facilities and a proper library.

"It will generally just modernise the building because it's very difficult at present, as we're certainly not a school built for this millennium."

Because St Cuthbert's is a church school, the plans will not have to be referred to the county council, in line with usual procedure.

Chester-le-Street District Council has received two letters of objection about the proposals.

The letters said that the development might stop the playground being used as a car park for church functions and events at the weekends.

Fears were also expressed that the extra car parking spaces could lead to an increase in traffic.

But planning officers at Chester-le-Street District Council have recommended the plans are approved, saying it is unlikely the modernisation will lead to an increase in cars.

The plans will be considered at the council's next planning committee meeting at the Civic Centre on Monday.