THE expansion of a village primary is set to be passed today despite calls for a new school to cope with demand for places from proposed housing developments.

The cabinet of Lancashire County Council has been recommended to approve plans to expand Barrow Primary School from from 140 to 210 pupils.

But parent Sarah Parry and ward councillor Robert Thompson want the education authority to consider a new-build school to meet the demand for places from hundreds of new homes to be built in or near the village.

More than 500 houses are to be built on three sites in and around Barrow with another 1,000 set for the Standen Hall site between the village and Clitheroe.

The plan before county councillors for approval this afternoon will increase the reception intake from 20 to 30 pupils each year from September 2019 to September 2026 subject to planning permission from Ribble Valley Council which is backing the move.

The county also has plans to expand Whalley CE Primary at a later stage.

Mrs Parry, whose two children Rosie and Esme go to the Barrow school on Whalley Road, said: “The extra places are needed but expanding the existing building is not adequate.

“There are hundreds of new family homes being built in around the village all of which will have children needing places.

“We need a totally new school in Barrow to cope.”

She said the expansion would cause traffic and parking problems especially as the former pub and its car park, used by many parents was being developed for new housing.

Wiswell and Pendleton ward’s Cllr Thompson said: “I welcome the expansion of Barrow Primary.

“With the proposed housing developments in and around the village I believe Lancashire County Council should consider building a new school at some point in the future.

“There is a site for one already identified in the plans for the Redrow Homes site on the outskirts of the village.”

The report before today’s cabinet meeting says a new build option was considered as part of the consultation on the expansion scheme but adds: “There is not an identified need for a new school. The Department for Education clearly prioritises the expansion of existing provision over the provision of a new school wherever possible.”

It says officers are confident issues caused by increasing traffic and demand for parking can be managed.

Mrs Parry, a 40-year-old businesswoman, believes cash contributions from housing developers could help pay for a new school.