School expansion plan gains support
Headteacher Jane Bennett and Mike Usher MD of TPS Construction with members of the school council. - Credit: Archant
A village primary school could double in size by 2018 after councillors recommended the approval of its expansion plans.
The report was supported by North Somerset Council’s children and young people’s services policy and scrutiny panel and it will now be submitted to the executive member to make a decision.
The proposal would see Flax Bourton Primary School expand to take 210 pupils, instead of 105 to cope with the growing demand for places.
The school normally has 15 spaces for reception pupils each year, but it agreed to take 30 in 2015 and 2016 to cope with demand.
A consultation has been held with parents, staff and villagers and 91 per cent of respondents supported the plans.
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The proposal has been backed by school governors and the Diocese of Bath and Wells – the site trustees for the school.
Tess Gale, director of education for the diocese, said: “The diocese is very happy to support the decision of the governing body to increase the capacity of its school to 210 places.
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“It is clear that the population is growing in the area, and it is important for all local children to have the option to attend a local school.”
Flax Bourton Parish Council is also supportive of the expansion but it has requested neighbours’ concerns about traffic flow and parking are considered.
