Plans to expand Wayfield Community Primary School in Chatham approved

A much-needed extension is to be built at a heavily over-subscribed primary school.

Plans for three extra classrooms and overflow parking at Wayfield Community Primary School in Chatham have been approved.

There are 327 pupils on the school roll, despite it having capacity for only 210.

At present, the Wayfield Road school is using a dance centre as a classroom.

However, the plans will double its capacity to 420 and will help it become two-form entry, meaning two classes per year group.

Three extra teacher roles and the same number of teaching assistants jobs will also be created.

Wayfield is part of the Primary First Trust which oversees the management of eight schools.

A trust spokesman said it was “pleased to provide much-needed school places” after the plans were approved by Medway Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, August 2.

The spokesman added: “We made the decision due to over-subscription and will expand to a two-form entry, much of which could be achieved by reconfiguring our existing space, but a small extension was needed.

“An additional 210 pupils will now benefit from the change from one form to two form entries.

“The additional three classrooms will directly benefit 90 pupils, as well as providing local employment in construction and teaching.

“Our ability to offer additional facilities for community use will also be enhanced and we look forward to welcoming everyone into school to take a look once it is completed.”

Two toilet blocks and a cloakroom will also be built.

Also included in the plans are 11 parking spaces accessed via Aldershot Road.

Three letters were sent to Medway Council which raised objections and highlighted issues with noise and dust from the building work and an increase in traffic along Aldershot Road.

However, the plans were approved unanimously.

Matching the rest of the existing school, the extension will be single-storey to minimise the impact on neighbours.

Several trees will also be removed to fit the extension into the grounds as a condition of the plans but these will also be replaced.

Building work is expected to start at Easter next year and it is expected there will be at least one classroom ready for September 2024.