Birkbeck Primary School extension plans earmarked for approval

Bexley Council planning officers have earmarked a scheme for Birkbeck Primary School in Alma Road to provide 12 new classrooms, a studio and a library for approval.

Councillors will now make a decision at the planning committee meeting on Thursday (February 22).

The plans would allow the primary school to expand from a two-form school admitting 60 reception pupils a year into a three-form school.

The school, rated 'good' by Ofsted, would increase its capacity to 530 children by 2025.

The scheme involves the demolition of a single storey buildings to make way for a two story extension - which would feature 12 classrooms, a studio.

There would also be a single single storey extension to provide a new office and library - all built around a central courtyard.

Planning officers have recommended the scheme be given the green light because: "The Government attaches great importance to ensuring that a sufficient choice of school places is available to meet the needs of existing and new communities. The principle of this development accords with national, regional and local policy."

According to the application, there are less than 205 available reception places at Sidcup schools and 45 children could not be offered a Reception place at Birkbeck in September 2016, with all 60 places offered to children living within half a mile of the school.

Two letters objecting to the development were sent to the council, claiming that making the school bigger would make traffic worse along Alma Road and Lansdown Road, and because the proposals would mean pupils continue their education during the construction process.