Senior councillors have taken the first steps to expanding some primary schools in Leeds and possibly building new ones in a bid to meet a population boom.
Members on yesterday's executive board approved the launch of a public consultation into six proposals which would increase the number of school places in Leeds by 240 in 2012.
Proposals include changing the age range of high school sites at Roundhay, Allerton Grange and Carr Manor to four to 18 instead of 11 to 18.
The capital costs of the proposals is estimated at £15.8m.
Councillor Jane Dowson, executive board member for learning, told the meeting that an extra 560 reception places were created last year. She added:
"There is considerable pressure on us to meet our statutory duty - a further 300 to 400 places will need to be created in Leeds every year for the foreseeable future to meet demand. Some consultation over these proposals has already taken place with councillors, headteachers and governing bodies, but we want to open it out more to include parents and the local communities."
Dowson said that the council was looking to find the money to finance the new places and was in ongoing talks with the Department of Education.
A report considered by councillors yesterday featured the following six proposals:
Harehills Planning area
To expand Wykebeck Primary School from a capacity of 315 to a capacity of 420, ie an admissions limit of 45 to 60. This proposal can be delivered within the existing school grounds.
Roundhay/Wigton planning area
To change the age range of Roundhay High School to be four-18, and to establish the primary provision on land off Elmete Lane, with effect from September 2012. The reception admissions limit would be 60.
To change the age range of Allerton Grange High School to be four-18, and to establish the primary provision on land to the west of the school, previously included in the old school site effective September 2012. The reception admission limit would be 60.
Meanwood Planning area
To change the age range of Carr Manor High School to be four-18, and to establish the primary provision on land south of and adjacent to the school, with effect from September 2012. The reception admission limit would be 30.
Chapel Allerton Planning Area
To expand Bracken Edge Primary School from 315 places to 420 places, i.e. an admission limit of 45 to 60. This proposal can be delivered within the existing school grounds.
Woodhouse Planning area
To expand Little London Primary School from 210 places to 630 places, i.e. an admission limit of 30 to 90, and establish land off Cambridge Road as part of the school premises, effective September 2012.
The public consultations will take place during January and February 2011 and a report taken to the council's executive board in March. If approved, statutory notices will be published in April 2011.
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