A PRIMARY school is set for a new look after plans were approved by county hall chiefs.

St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School, in Whalley Road, Langho, will be getting a single-storey extension which includes a new main entrance and reception office.

The work includes a staff car park with 25 spaces and an all-weather multi-use games area.

The move comes after the Lancashire County Council approved funding for the school to provide additional places.

Cllr Alison Brown, who represents the Langho area, says she has not had any complaints from people locally about the development.

She said: “I think many of the schools in the area have been complaining for some time about school places.

“Some parents have been struggling to get their children into their chosen school.

“Money from Section 106 agreements from new developments is given for services such as funding for schools and highways.

“It is a long time before we usually see that money going anywhere but it will be good to see it here.

“Any investment in our schools is a good thing.”

In the planning documents, it is claimed that ‘the significant level of housing development planned in the area within the next five years would mean there would be a shortage of primary school places’.

The school will be increasing its class sizes from 40 to 45 from September next year.

The plan for the extension will create a small hall with storage, a staff office and the Early Years Foundation Stage space is to be remodelled.

The new games area will not be floodlit and use will be during school hours for school use only.

Cllr Brown said: “The multi-use games area will be great to keep young people active and the extended car park will mean staff can park close to the site.”