A PRIMARY School will be demolished and replaced with a larger, modern facility after councillors approved plans.

Bolton Council’s planning committee backed plans to knock down Chorley New Road Primary School in Horwich and replace it with a new two storey building.

The committee voted to delegate the final details of the decision to the planning director — on the proviso that issues surrounding drainage are ironed out.

Work can then begin to demolish the existing school building and create a the larger facility — which is required to meet the increased demand expected from the influx of residents to the area with the 1700 house development at the nearby loco works site. The new building will turn the school from one form into two and increase the number of pupils in attendance by more than 100 — to 420.

The development will cover an area of more than 2,200 sq m, split over two storeys.

It will be built on the current school’s playing fields, with play and recreation facilities replacing the demolished existing building.

Under the plans, the main public entrance to the school will be located at the front of the building off Chorley New Road, with double height glazing opening into an entrance lobby.

Planning committee members expressed their delight at the plans for the new school.

Horwich councillor Joyce Kellet said: “I think this is a very exciting development that will not only create many more places for local children but will also create four new jobs at the school and many more in the construction process.”

Chorley New Road alumni Cllr Elaine Sherrington was also pleased to see a new school approved — and the old building knocked down.

She said: “I was one of the first students through the door of the old school building — which was a few years ago now — and I have to say I won’t miss that building and am very glad to back plans for a new one.”

Not all members were entirely happy with the plan however.

Councillor John Walsh pointed out that the location for the new school was not what was first proposed.

He said: “If we cast our minds back we will remember that we thought it was crucial to build a new school on the loco works site to support all the new houses — this is a cop-out.”

The only objection submitted to the council from a local resident concerned potential drainage issues resulting from the development.

Because of this committee members decided to approve the development in principle, but ask the planning department to ensure the drainage issue is dealt with before work starts.