PARENTS are being asked their opinions on plans to expand the capacity of South Marston Primary School.

Over the next decade, more than 8,000 homes are set to be built in the vicinity of the village so Swindon Borough Council has begun making plans to ensure there are enough school places.

Earlier this month it was revealed up to 15 new primary schools will be needed in Swindon to cope with thousands of new homes while smaller schools like South Marston will need to expand.

The proposals involve increasing the number of new pupils the school can take in, going from the current level of 15 each year to 45.

To make space for the pupils, new class space will have to be built. The consultation document explains the changes which will be required.

It reads: “It is proposed that the school will be extended on the existing school playing field, car park, and some of the Village recreation field.

“The existing buildings (with the exception of the original Victorian hall) will be disposed of and replaced by a three-pod classroom and hall extension.

“A new staff and visitor’s carpark will be built along with a multi-use games area for school use, and replacement of the South Marston Residents Association ‘cage’. The school will continue to operate using land on the recreation field, through a use agreement.”

It is not known exactly when the work will start as it depends on when permission for a 2,300 home planning application near South Marston is decided.

However, work could start as soon as the end of 2016. The council has assured parents that disruption to pupils will be kept to a minimum with the area to be worked on being fenced off over the summer.

In February, a report went before council chiefs outlining the need to build up to 15 schools with more than 20,000 homes due to be built by 2026.

Local authorities have a legal obligation to ensure there are sufficient school places and Councillor Fionuala Foley (Con, Chiseldon and Lawn), the cabinet member for children’s services, said that is why plans had to be made early.

She said: "We will do it because we have to. We are legally obliged to provide school places so we will do it.

"Swindon has a good record of making sure we have the places so it will happen. When you look at the developments, they have space for schools."

For more details on the plans visit: http://bit.ly/1QHLavl