Bulging school to get new classroom

A PRIMARY school said to be “bulging at the seams” has been given permission to install a mobile classroom in its grounds.
Cherry Tree Primary, in Hardy Road, Lymm is heavily over-subscribed and is currently coping only by using its library as an overflow classroom, Warrington planners were told.
But the additional classroom will not result in any increase in pupils or staff and planning consent has been given for five years only.
Two objections were received from nearby residents who feared the proposals would result in the school become a two-form entry school.
They claimed increased traffic would exacerbate existing traffic problems, result in Hardy Road becoming a “rat run” and result in traffic hazards for children. The school had already been expanded on a number of occasions and there was a fear the application would be “the thin end of the wedge.”
Residents also claimed the existing staff car park was already too small and extra teachers would exacerbate existing parking problems.
But planning officers said there was no intention to make the school two-form entry, nor to increase numbers of pupils or staff.
Cllr Sheila Woodyatt (pictured) said she fully supported the application for the extra classroom which was much needed by the school.
The school was legally not allowed to have more than 30 children in a class in the foundation stage so it was necessary to have two classes.
“Cherry Tree is bulging at the seams now and the extra class has been based in the library for the whole of this school year.
“Educationally, it is not acceptable for the library to be out of use, so there is a great need for the additional space,” said Cllr Woodyatt.