Rising pupil numbers prompts Morda Primary School expansion

Plans have been revealed to extend a popular village school near Oswestry to cope with its growing pupil numbers.

Shropshire Council has applied for permission to build a demountable building at Morda Primary School to create a classroom. The school has a capacity of 126 pupils but is expecting to have 147 youngsters in September and is in need of the extra space to accommodate them.

Council chiefs say the plan for the new building has been designed so it will not impact upon neighbouring houses.

A design and access statement submitted in support of the bid said: "Presently reception age children are accommodated in an undersized class base so the provision of an additional classroom is required, releasing the small class base for much needed library/general purpose space for small group work.

"The new demountable building will be closely linked to the nursery unit in the adjacent demountable which will greatly enhance transition through school.

"Although the demountable is to be placed on the edge of the playing field the school will still have sufficient area for two football pitches in the winter months and two rounders pitches and a running track in the summer."

The statement added: "A thorough option appraisal of the site has been carried out, with consideration given to a number of factors affecting the delivery of the proposed services without significantly impacting neighbouring dwellings.

"It is proposed to construct a single storey demountable building to create a new reception class base.

"The internal layout of the proposed building is a reflection of the school's vision and influences from other facilities provided around the county.

"The classbase is for approximately 30 reception pupils and incorporates toilet facilities and a cleaner's store."