A PRIMARY school’s expansion looks set to become imminent, as a council meets to discuss plans for the site tomorrow (Tuesday).

Hertfordshire County Council’s development control committee is recommended to approve a series of plans for Samuel Lucas JMI School in Hitchin.

The plans, which include new buildings, playing fields and landscaping, would pave the way for the county council to eventually double the size of the school.

HCC hopes to start by doubling the intake of reception children this September. Its Cabinet has already given approval for the school’s expansion, subject to planning approval.

But residents who live near the school argue the site cannot cope with the influx, citing concerns over road safety, costs, parking, and loss of allotments and public space.

HCC says it has addressed concerns, stating it will introduce a “park and stride scheme”, introduce double yellow lines in the area, widen footpaths and create covered walkways.

In a report produced ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, it said: “On balance it is considered that the proposal is acceptable being largely in accordance with local and national planning policy.

“It has satisfactorily been demonstrated in the application that potential impacts upon local highway network, landscape, residential amenity, playing field provision, archaeology and ecology can be effectively mitigated against.”

The council has received 26 letters and emails in response to the planning application, 23 of which raise objections.