Holbeach William Stukeley Primary School is looking to expand

A primary school is looking to expand to accommodate more pupils as the town’s population continues to grow.

A public meeting was held on Wednesday to allow parents and residents the opportunity to learn more about the proposals for Holbeach’s William Stukeley Primary School.

In a twist of fate, the pre-planning engagement event took place on the same night as South Holland District Council passed plans to build 650 new homes in the town.

A letter inviting inviting residents to the meeting, head teacher Tom Emery explained: “The school will be subjected to redevelopment with the building of a new single class extension, a staffroom and hall extension, within the next few months.

“This will be followed by a potential new three class extension in the future.

“The investment will provide enhanced premises and facilities and additional places for local children ensuring they can be educated in their local community.”

Coun Tracey Carter, who represents Holbeach on both the district and county councils, attended the meeting.

“There were generally positive comments. There were a couple of areas residents have raised that they want to look at that I’ve supported, site location of the canteen, for example,” she said.

“We want to minimise any disruption to residents but overall it was generally positive.

“The extension looks excellent. It blends in nicely to the school.”

Coun Carter welcomed the expansion plans.

“Obviously, it’s an excellent school and it’ll be good to see the intake then come on par with the Boston Road (Holbeach Primary) school as well.

“The county (council) regularly monitor birthrates and people coming in. It’s a statutory duty to ensure there are enough school places. That extension is very much part of that.

“Hopefully, the planning application goes well. It will be good to see it done.”