Proposals to expand Burnham Infants School have been given a green light by town councillors this week.
A new single storey extension comprising of an extra classroom, cloakroom and toilet facilities, has been proposed by Somerset County Council’s education department.
The scheme will involve 381 square metres of public park area next to the 187-pupil school being removed from public use to make way for the extension.
Cllr Allan Miller, Chairman of the town council’s Planning Applications Committee, said at Wednesday’s meeting: “The school desperately needs more classroom space and recreational areas for its growing numbers of pupils.”
However, Cllr Bill Hancock raised concerns that the proposals will lead to an increase of vehicles in the area at peak times.
“More pupils will create traffic problems in this residential area, but I can’t see a way around this,” he said.
Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton added: “I support these proposals, but because the public amenity space is being reduced, I would like to see some community compensation – possibly with additional open land being given to the town for the public use.”
The town council’s planning applications committee approved the plans this week, but the final decision now rests with Sedgemoor District Council, which will review the scheme over the coming weeks.
