COUNCILLORS made no objections to plans to expand a Christchurch primary school.

Proposals for the expansion of Burton Primary School in Campbell Road went before Christchurch council’s planning committee on Thursday evening.

The plans from Dorset County Council include the construction of a new building for the Teddy Bears nursery, which is currently housed in the main school block.

That would free up space in the main school, which is needed to deal with increasing pupil numbers.

Outside play areas will also be developed to include more hard and soft play areas close to classrooms.

It is suggested the building will not be allowed to be used until the extra proposed parking spaces have been built.

And the transport manager also called for a pedestrian guardrail to be installed on Salisbury Road, which would become the main access point for parents and pupils rather than Campbell Road.

Concerns were raised by Burton Parish Council about the style of the building, which they didn’t feel was in character with the existing school structure.

The parish council also said they felt there were no plans to combat traffic problems which would arise as a result of an increase in children attending the school.

Only one letter of objection has been submitted.

A report to councillors said the new space is unlikely to result in a material increase in traffic numbers and stated the development would not result in the loss of a significant area of open space.

The new pre-school is scheduled to be built, if approved, by the start of the new school year in September with the internal remodel of the former nursery, staff room and hall to take place during the school holidays.

Chairman of the planning committee and Burton ward councillor Colin Jamieson proposed members made no objections to the plans.

“It is not the most architecturally pleasing design but this is what goes into schools in Dorset and is not too expensive,” he added.

The decision was unanimous.