Plans to expand Preston primary school no longer moving forward

Proposals to expand the school by one form of entry with effect from 2026/27 were tentatively approved by cabinet in December, subject to further analysis of residents' views.

The expansion was intended to be delivered, initially via a temporary accommodation, followed by a permanent solution to commence in 2026.

The plans were developed due to a need for new educational accommodation in the Goosnargh and Grimsargh planning area in Preston area due to the high level of house building in the area and increased number of children.

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 a proposal.

A public consultation was undertaken in 2024 to ask residents and stakeholders their views on the proposal to permanently expand the school from 2026/27. A number of concerns were raised during the consultation.

Following further analysis and scrutiny of the plans, a decision has been taken to no longer proceed with the permanent expansion of Goosnargh Oliverson's school building.

There is still a need for places in the area and therefore planning proposals will be considered to progress development at the former Whittingham Hospital site. A public consultation was undertaken last year on plans to create a new build on this site.

Jacqui Old, Executive Director of Education and Children's Services, Lancashire County Council, said:

"We have listened to residents' views and had further talks with our highways team and decided that we will no longer move forward with the expansion of Goosnargh Oliverson's school building. 

"This is largely due to concerns around the access, traffic and parking that a further 210 children would add to the village. 

"However, we are planning to proceed with a temporary and then permanent site at the Whittingham Hospital site for at least 315 places.

"If approved, this will deliver 60 additional places from September 2026.

"There is still a need for more provision in the area and we will continue to work with the community and district councils to find another solution to expand educational provision in the area.

"Thank you again to everyone who has engaged with us on this matter."

Subject to planning approval being granted, the new build at the former Whittingham Hospital site will have initial provision for 60 places by 2026 via temporary accommodation.

Once the build is complete, it will deliver at least 315 places, with the infrastructure to expand further if required. This would be delivered in a phased approach, enabling sufficient opportunity to review data and provide places as needed.