A CRADLEY primary school's bid to build an extension has been approved by planners.

Cradley CofE Primary in Church Road had applied to build an extension to create a new classroom for year six pupils.

The proposal was approved by planners yesterday (Monday May 18).

The part two-storey, part first-floor extension, will be built above the school toilets and library as there is limited space on the site.

A design and access statement submitted to planners notes that the extension will: "Provide improved classroom facilities for the school to deliver their curriculum more effectively and efficiently.

It goes on: "It is a very tight site, with limited or no spare land on which to build without loss of valuable play space."

It also adds: "There are no additional pupil numbers or teaching staff proposed as part of the extension."

The school building is considered of architectural significance and is on Dudley Council's ‘Local List.’

A planning officers report notes that a previous application for an extension at the school was withdrawn as it was considered a "large and dominant addition that did not relate in any way to the existing building, obscuring the view of some of the architectural interest and at odds with the building in terms of its scale."

The officer states that the new proposal is more contemporary and contrasts with the traditional design of the school.

He goes on: "While it is still a large structure, the contrasting elements adds visual interest and with the extension being to the rear does not take away from the main elevation of the school to the front.

"Taking a balanced approach, it is considered that the extension would provide a much needed facility for the school and therefore with the extension now having less of an impact visually is considered acceptable."