AN expansion of Grappenhall Heys Community Primary School (GHCPS) costing £3 million is planned to meet projected demand from new housing developments.

Warrington Borough Council and the school, on Stansfield Drive, are asking for residents’ views on the proposals.

Grappenhall is an area of population growth which means more school places will be needed.

GHCPS has been identified as being best placed to meet the needs of the area by increasing its current capacity.

The plans to expand the school, from a one form entry to a two form entry – 210 additional primary school places – will ensure the community has sufficient school places to meet the projected demand from local housing developments from September 2022.

The council’s cabinet supported the £3 million investment to create the additional places at GHCPS during its virtual meeting on Monday.

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden said: “I think, quite often, residents don’t understand how infrastructure is delivered as a result of residential developments.

“Here, it’s quite clear that the expansion of the school has been entirely funded through Section 106 contributions and that’s exactly how it should be, that the impact on a community is borne financially by those seeking to gain through development.”

The council is the strategic commissioner of school places in the borough. It has a legal duty to ensure there are sufficient and suitable school places for all children of compulsory school age.

The council and the school are now inviting local people to have their say through a four-week public consultation running from January 12 to February 9.

It will give parents/carers and other interested parties the opportunity to share their views on the plans.

Cllr Matt Smith, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Grappenhall has an increasing number of primary aged children and it is vital that we have sufficient school places to support this. These plans are focused on meeting the needs of local children and families, ensuring that they receive a first-class education.

“Grappenhall Heys Primary School has the capacity for growth and if these plans go ahead it would unlock significant investment in the school.

“It’s really important that everyone affected by these plans – in the school and the wider community – has their say on our proposals. Please take some time to complete our survey – all views will be taken on board.”

For more details visit warrington.gov.uk.