A PLAN to nearly double the size of a primary school in an area short of school places has been submitted to Stockton Borough Council.

St Francis of Assisi C of E School, in Ingleby Barwick, wants to build a two-storey extension to the side of the school and two single storey extensions to the rear at a cost of nearly £2.5m.

The extensions would enable the number of pupils to increase from 236 to 459 by 2022.

There would also be a music room and the staff room would be extended. In addition, there would be six additional classrooms and each year group would be separated into two groups.

No objections have been received and the plan, which will be considered by Stockton council on Wednesday, April 10 at Stockton Baptist Tabernacle, at 1.30pm, has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

However, the head of technical services at the council has highlighted need to increase cycle, staff car parking and said an additional 16 parental drop off spaces would be needed for the school which is on Lowfields Avenue.

One letter supporting the idea has been received by Graeme Bailey who lives nearby. He said: “I fully back St Francis’ application. They realise there is a real issue with a lack of school spaces at every level within Ingleby Barwick and have been proactive in their approach.”

If projections for the number of babies expected to be born this year in the UK prove correct there will be 700,000 births, the largest number since 1971.

The number of births has been increasing by 12,000 a year for a decade according to government statistic and it is expected there will be pressure on school places in coming years.

The overall cost of the scheme would be £2,485,000 and would be funded by Stockton council is permission is granted.