Plans approved to expand two Sandwell schools

Multi-million pound plans to expand two primary schools in Sandwell have been approved by planning chiefs.

Both need to be enlarged due to the borough's baby boom, and the move will create 56 new jobs.

The extensions will create hundreds of new places at Rowley Hall Primary School in Rowley Regis and Christ Church CofE Primary School in Oldbury. The schemes will cost nearly £5m at Rowley Hall Primary School, Windsor Road, and £3.1m at Christ Church, Albert Street.

Sandwell Council's planning committee approved the plans at their meeting last night.

At Rowley Hall there will be new buildings to accommodate classrooms, group teaching spaces, a nursery, hall and kitchen. The old kitchen and nursery buildings will be bulldozed to make way for the project.

The increase in space will allow the school operate a three-form entry system, and lead to 30 new jobs being created.

As well as the new buildings, playground space at the school will be increased, and car parking will increase from 32 to 50 vehicles, including four places for blue badge holders.

Meanwhile, at Christ Church, the building will be extended to increase capacity to a two-form entry, with the number of staff rising from 34 to 60.

The extension would provide additional teaching space and a new entrance, additional playground space and visitor car parking.

By September 2015, the council needs to provide an additional 16 forms of entry in primary schools to keep pace with demand.