CONCERNS are growing over a planning application to expand St Peter’s Primary School in Portishead.

Speaking at the last town council meeting, Councillor David Pasley said he and other residents were worried that the land designated for a new car park, which forms a vital part of the expansion, had not yet been sold to North Somerset Council.

Although Portishead Town Council has voted to support the plans, several councillors expressed concerns over the possibility of a decision being made before the land was in the authority’s ownership.

The proposal includes building a two storey extension to the Halletts Way school, allowing it to increase its pupil capacity from 420 to 630.

The area of land in question, between High Street and the current school field, is shown on the plans as an additional car park and drop off point for pupils. The majority of online objections to the expansion relate to traffic and road safety issues.

A North Somerset Council spokesman said: “While the land purchase has not yet been completed it is with solicitors and is proceeding towards completion.

“We are confident the council will be able to take possession of the land to enable the school expansion to proceed in accordance with the proposed timescale, subject to planning permission being obtained.”