PLANS for a controversial school expansion will go on display later this month.

Herts County Council wants to eventually double the size of Samuel Lucas JMI in Hitchin.

But many residents and parents at the school oppose the plans, claiming the roads and pupils may suffer.

Cabinet agreed in November the proposals should proceed to publication of a statutory notice and will later this month make a final decision.

That decision will be subject to planning approval.

Cabinet member for education and skills, Cllr Frances Button, said: “We are confident that the expansion of Samuel Lucas School is the right decision for the area based on proximity and parental demand.”

The council claims it will address concerns from residents, including impact on the roads.

And a further consultation will be held once a planning application is submitted.

The council’s plans – which it hopes will form its planning application – will go on display at the school, in Gaping Lane, on Tuesday January 22 and Wednesday January 23.

Doors will be open between 3.30pm and 7.30pm, with members of the public able to view and comment on the proposals.

Cllr Button added: “We are working closely with the school’s governing body on the detailed design of the proposed new build and it is important that local residents and parents continue to be included in the plans for the school.”

The exhibition material will be available to view online from January 23 to February 4.