THE head of Rudheath High School Mike Hayhurst says the whole community will be able to use the school's proposed new extension.

The school is hoping to build a single-storey extension for performing arts, dance studio and music rooms.

This is the third application the school has made as part of its Specialist School Status for the Performing Arts.

Residents had complained about previous applications, which were for a two-storey extension housing a fitness and leisure centre.

Mr Hayhurst said: "These plans are part of Vale Royal's arts and leisure strategy and neighbourhood renewal strategy.

"This will be of huge benefit to the community and we think it will have a positive impact on the school and community."

Mr Hayhurst said the Department for Education and Skills (DFES), which will be providing a £100,000 grant for the project, had already agreed to two deferments.

He said: "They have made it patently clear they will not defer it for a third time and we have until March 2006 for the money to be spent."

The application will be considered at a planning meeting on December 14.