Councillors unanimously approved major plans to expand a school in Bushey yesterday, despite initial concerns over parking hinting at the application being deferred for a second time.

Hertsmere Borough Council's Bushey and Aldenham Planning Committee supported the application to demolish six buildings at the Purcell School for Young Musicians and replace them with several three and four storey buildings and a 110 space car park.

Inspired by comments from local police officers, Councillor Miki Colne was the only member to speak against an aspect of the application, suggesting a contribution for yellow lines from the school to counter possible parking issues on Bushey Mill Lane.

Other councillors agreed that the lines would be a good idea but the large car park provided in the plans and a desire to approve the application as quickly as possible to help the school saw them disagreeing with another deferral.

The issue was finally settled on a technicality after Councillor John Graham noted that as the plans were deferred because of concerns over loss of green belt land in August, and not parking, only those issues could legally be discussed.

Following this decision Councillor Colne reluctantly agreed to the proposal, joining the other eight councillors on the panel.

As a condition of the planning permission the school and registered charity, in Aldenham Road, is not permitted to raise student numbers above its current number of 180 without obtaining additional permission from councillors.

Following the decision, Chairman of the committee, Councillor Seamus Quilty said: "It is a school with a world wide reputation which is a great asset to us.

"I look forward to seeing the buildings when they are finished and having some great musicians staying there."