Chorley school seeks expansion

Buckshaw Trinity Primary School has submitted plans to double in size after a rise in demand for places.

The junior school, off Buckshaw Avenue, opened less than three years ago but has seen the number of reception places double from 30 to 60.

Plans have now been submitted to build six additional classrooms in a two-storey extension and to double the size of the reception classroom.

The two extensions will provide a total of 2,590 sq ft of new space.

Architects Cassidy + Ashton, who worked on the original building, have designed the extension.

The new space will mean year five pupils, currently housed in temporary accommodation, will have a classroom of their own.

Jill Wright, headteacher at Buckshaw Trinity Primary School, said: "Having a temporary classroom is always a bit tricky, but year five has been very good about it.

"The 60 children who came into reception in September last year will now work their way through the school and we'll continue to offer 60 new reception places each year."

The £5.5m school, built by Conlon Construction, opened in September 2010 after being commissioned by the Diocese of Blackburn and the Methodist Circuit. It was originally intended for just 210 pupils.

The school features a range of sustainable design elements, including solar panels to heat the water and toilets that are flushed using rainwater.

Chris Taylor, associate at Cassidy + Ashton, said: "It's wonderful to be working once again with Buckshaw Trinity and to see its popularity growing with the local community.

"Our intention was always to create an inspiring environment and, from the rise in the demand for places, it appears that we achieved that aim."