School move to double the number of children

MODERN vision: an artist’s impression of the new £4million Greenfield Primary School

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PLANS to double the entry numbers at Greenfield Primary School have been approved by Oldham Council cabinet.

Councillors gave the green light to the proposals to expand the planned admission number from 30 per year group to 60 per year group to satisfy an increased demand for school places in Saddleworth/Lees.

The Department of Education estimates there will be additional 223 primary aged children in the area by 2020 following an increasing birth rate and new housing developments in the area.

The £6.1million plan will see a complete rebuild of the school to accommodate the increase in pupils, with the plans subject to approval.

Although a pre-publication consultation on the expansion received a 69 per cent backing, the council received only 16 representations (from 115 in total) in support of the proposals during the statutory consultation late last year.

Representations stated the school's current condition and size as reasons to support the plan, with some stating it could improve educational standards and reduce the number of residents having to travel to schools further away,

Of the 99 responses against the proposals, 70 were copies - an identical photocopied letter that was circulated and signed by residents in the areas nearest to the school.

The letter stated "strong objections" to the plans and stated that the site is "far too small" and there would be a negative impact on traffic and parking in the area.

It also urged the council to consider expanding other schools in the area.

Greenfield is one of three "outstanding" schools in Saddleworth/Lees and is the most oversubscribed of the three schools.

The plans for the building will be submitted for planning approval before work can begin.