Cabinet discuss next steps for proposed expansion at Preston primary school
Proposals to expand a Preston primary school have been tentatively approved, subject to further analysis of residents' views.
At its meeting on Thursday, cabinet were provided with an update on feedback from the public consultation and were asked to consider this response and provide direction to a permanent expansion project at Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School.
The proposal is to expand the school by one form of entry with effect from 2026/27, to help address a projected shortfall of primary school places in the Goosnargh and Grimsargh planning area in Preston, and the adjoining planning area of Longridge in Ribble Valley.
This will see it increasing the published admission number from 30 to 60, gradually increasing the school's capacity from 210 to 420. The expansion is intended to be delivered, initially via a temporary accommodation, followed by a permanent solution to commence in 2026.
Goosnargh Oliverson's submitted an expression of interest to work with the council to provide additional places through expansion in June 2022. The county council has since worked closely with the school and the Blackburn Diocese Board of Education to develop the current proposal.
Cllr Jayne Rear, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said:
"Over time, this expansion represents a significant increase and one that is needed given the scale of projected new housing across the Preston primary planning areas.
"This expansion alone cannot meet the forecasted demand in the Preston planning area, though is a vital part of a wider strategy.
"Thank you to everyone who engaged during the consultation phase.
"We understand residents have concerns and I would like to reassure them that this scheme will be carefully managed to minimise the impact to the surrounding area."