A CONTROVERSIAL classroom extension at Alston Lane RC Primary School in Longridge has been given the go-ahead.

Plans to construct an extra classroom and extend two others were opposed by county surveyor Brian Cooper, who was concerned they would lead to an increased school roll and worsen traffic problems at the site.

He said: "The vast majority of visitors to the school arrive by car and access arrangements are not ideal. A voluntary one-way system operates, but unfortunately there has been some abuse of this arrangement.

"Arrangements are hazardous, but investigation of collision records does not indicate a serious accident problem. The need for a school travel plan has been mentioned to the school authorities and the preparation of such a plan should be a requirement of consent, before the extension is brought into use."

But Ribble Valley Council's planning and development committee passed the scheme after planning officer John Macholc said benefits of an additional community facility outweighed unsubstantiated claims of traffic problems.

He agreed access to the school would need improving but added: "I am fully aware of possible traffic problems, but in view of no evidence of road accidents at the site consider the benefit of an additional classroom outweighs any possible highway conflict."