A SIX-CLASSROOM extension to a ‘tired and treasured’ school has been given the go-ahead.

Blackrod Primary School’s plans for expansion were submitted earlier this year and will increase the pupil capacity from 210 to 315.

It comes nine years after the number of pupils going into reception at the Manchester Road school was increased from 30 to 45 last year following a record demand for places.

This was caused by both a rising birth rate and the closure of Scot Lane End Primary in 2008.

At Thursday’s planning committee meeting, Cllr Ann Cunliffe, who represents Horwich and Blackrod, said: “I’m proud to have Blackrod Church School and Blackrod Primary School in the ward.

“I think they both are equally outstanding schools and a credit to Blackrod and its children.

“The application is for an extension that will increase the pupil numbers to 315 and increase the staff also by approximately eight full-time and four part-time.

“This application asks to build on green belt, not something I would usually approve of.

“But the need to expand this school for education of the local children in my opinion demonstrates the special circumstances and outweighs any harm to the openness of the green belt.

“School and its governors have been fully involved in the planning with the extension and have worked together very well to meet the needs of its present and future children.

“It will expand and improve the fabric of this tired and treasured school.”

Committee members voted unanimously to approve the scheme.

As well as the six new classrooms, the extension would also include a resource area, WCs, stores, ancillary spaces and circulation.

The plans were backed by Blackrod Town Council.

Cllr John Price described the proposal as a "win-win situation" that would mean children could be educated close to home.