PLANS have been submitted for extra classrooms for a school to cope with demand for places from several new housing estates nearby.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has applied for planning permission for the extensions to Lammack Primary.

The news had been welcomed by local Independent councillor Tasleem Fazal.

The £1.55million expansion is one of three proposed by the council to cope with extra demand for school places in the borough with the others at Longshaw Nursery and Infants and St Peter’s Church of England Primary in Darwen.

The total cost of the programme is expected to be £6.3m creating up to 400 new places across the borough.

The extra Lammack Primary classrooms are needed to cater for an expected 900 new homes in North Blackburn.

The council hopes to have completed them by September for the new intake.

They will provide extra space for Reception, Year One, Four and Six children and expand the school from the current 488 children to a maximum of 630 and the number of staff from 80 to 103.

The planning application says: "The existing site comprises of a large primary school serving four to 11- year-olds.

"The existing premises comprise of a single-storey school building with excellent access for all.

"The site is surrounded by domestic properties.

"The proposed extensions are to be sited in close grouping to the existing buildings with some additional internal remodelling.

"The proposals are to be single-storey with staggered elevations and hipped, duo and mono-pitched roofs to keep visual interest.

"Within the scope of works are proposals to provide additional parking for staff and a safe drop-off zone for parents / pupils to help alleviate on street parking issues and retain pupil safety.

"The proposed extensions are to be concentrated in five small areas so as not to impinge on the general openness of the area.

"The appearance of the proposed extensions reflect that of the existing building, utilising similar materials and fenestration.

"The elevations will comprise of matching facing buff / brown brickwork with metro-tiled shallow

pitched roof covering."

Billinge and Beardwood ward's Cllr Fazal said: "This is good news.

"The extra places will be needed for the new housing proposed for the area. They are very welcome.

"I am assured by the highways department that local roads will be improved to deal with the extra traffic safely."