A PLAN to build an extra classroom at a village school to combat the 'significant’ population boom in Bracknell has met fierce objection from parents.

A PLAN to build an extra classroom at a village school to combat the 'significant’ population boom in Bracknell has met fierce objection from parents.

The proposal to build a 'surge’ classroom at Winkfield St Mary’s Church of England Primary School was thrown out in December 2014 due to the number of objections, but it will come up again front of Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee tomorrow evening.

The school currently caters for 210 pupils and the extra classroom would enable it to accommodate an extra 30 children and take on two additional staff members.

However, the proposal has sparked 21 individual objection letters.

Natalie Spring-Rice, who has objected to the plan since its first inception in 2013, submitted a petition with more than 100 signatures with her letter of objection.

She said: “The school has the smallest outdoor open space of any of the primary schools in Bracknell Forest. Building on the proposed area will reduce the already limited play space even further.

“Inside, the Victorian school hall struggles to accommodate the existing number of children at assembly time and certainly at lunch time.

“There is not the room for additional children at this school.” Other objections to the plan centre on the impact on the surrounding roads, mostly country lanes which can become gridlocked during the school rush hour, and inadequate car parking.

Protesters claim the 10 new proposed spaces will not be enough to tackle the added pressure of 30 more four and five-year-olds being dropped off and picked up.

However, the school currently has to teach classes in its IT suite due to lack of space.

David Watkins, Bracknell Forest Council’s chief officer for strategy, resources and early intervention, said: “Population growth within Bracknell Forest continues at a significant rate.

“The latest School Places Plan indicates 23 per cent growth in the school population in North Bracknell in the next five years.

“Our plans at Winkfield St Mary’s ensure we continue to meet our statutory obligations.” Winkfield Parish Council and the council’s transport officer are supporting the plan after being assured additional spaces in Locks Ride car park will be secured and a travel plan introduced where adults will walk children from the car park to school.

Sport England withdrew their objection after being shown the potential for two new sport pitches in the future.

Head teacher Mike Chesters was unable to comment on the application prior to the committee meeting.