Primary school could double in size amid expansion plan

CGI of new school site planned at St Johns in Rochdale

A primary school in Rochdale could double in size following plans for a huge extension.

St John’s CofE Primary School is currently a half-form entry with a capacity of 105 pupils, but there is huge demand for places. A new two-storey extension would see it expand to 210 students.

Planning permission has been approved for the new structure, which will include a new infant room, junior rooms, a food technology room, staff offices, library and toilet provision.

A new playground and an ‘amphitheatre style’ seating area outside are also part of the plans.

The new playground plans are seeking to address water logging issues on the grass, which limits use in winter particularly. The plans would also see the existing car park increased in size to accommodate the additional staff numbers. 

The Thornham Lane site needs to expand so they can meet current space standards. However, the plans are being made with the possibility of further expansion.

With a nearby housing development proposal currently waiting for a decision, there is a possibility St John’s may need to increase their capacity to 420 pupils.

This proposal is the latest in a series of expansions at the school, with three separate extensions already built at the site in the last few years.

Planning papers have stated that noise disruption will be kept to a minimum during construction.

Papers read: “The new school extension is also proposed to the west of the existing school. This means it is away from Thornham House, which is the schools only immediate neighbour. Keeping the works to the west of the site, will minimise noise impact levels on Thornham House and the existing school. 

“Aside from this, the school is surrounded by fields to the north, west and south and therefore does not pose a noise disturbance to other neighbours.”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter