THREE new primary schools and extensions to another four in North Wiltshire, to provide school places for the area’s growing population, could be built over the next three years.

Wiltshire Council has released its School Places Strategy (SPS), which says it will need to spend £93 million of Government money and payments from developers over the next three years so all the schemes can go ahead.

Under the plans, three new primary schools would be built in Chippenham, including one at Rowden Park, another at Rawlings Farm and a third elsewhere in the north of the town, costing an estimated £14.2million and providing 840 places.

Also included in the plan are extensions to existing primary schools including Broadwood Primary in Corsham, Ivy Lane in Chippenham – which has been completed – Malmesbury and Priestley in Calne costing an estimated £7.8million and providing a further 390 places.

Malmesbury Secondary School would also be expanded to take another 120 pupils at a cost of £750,000, and initial discussions are underway to increase numbers at Corsham school at, an estimated cost of £1.5million.

However the report does warn: ‘there is a financial risk that costs could increase and exceed the funding envelope agreed’.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “A large majority of parents are able to send their child to the school of their choice and this is due to the careful planning and preparation which goes into ensuring there is sufficient provision throughout the county.

“This comprehensive programme means we stay on top of latest developments and population changes but it is important it is continually reviewed to ensure our pupils continue to have access to vibrant learning environments.”

The funding will be provided by the Department for Education and Section 106 agreements with developers, with the council getting 50 per cent of upfront.

According to the report, the SPS will be updated later on in the year so that pupil projections can be reviewed on a regular basis.