MORE pupils could soon be attending classes at a Long Ashton primary school.

A planning application has been submitted to North Somerset Council to allow the expansion of Birdwell Primary School from its current 315-pupil size to eventually cater for 420 youngsters.

The proposals are for the construction of three new classrooms and a room for group activities all in a separate building close to the main school in Hollis Close.

This would be created at the rear of the school and would not be visible to neighbouring properties.

The project will also include the creation of more outdoor playground space.

As well as the planning application, the academy school has also submitted an official request to allow it to formally expand.

The expansion is being planned in light of recent projections which show more primary school places are needed in Long Ashton.

Some concerns have been raised about the extra traffic that will be generated in the roads nearby but the school’s travel plan aims to encourage more parents to leave their cars at home and walk their children to school.