Plans to expand primary schools across Watford are set to be approved next week.

Hertfordshire County Council's education and skills cabinet panel is expected to confirm on Tuesday that six schools will take on more pupils to cope with the demand for places in the town, particularly in central Watford.

Cherry Tree Primary School will permanently expand by one form entry in September this year, while Beechfield, Cassiobury Infants and Holywell Primary Schools will accept an additional 30 pupils in September 2012.

Tanners Wood JMI School in Abbots Langley will take on an extra half form entry (15 pupils) in September 2012, while Cassiobury Junior School will expand by one form group in 2013.

Meanwhile, three additional schools will temporarily expand by one form.

They are Abbots Langley (2012), The Russel in Chorleywood (2011), and Yorke Mead in Croxley Green (2011).

Almost £19million will be spent to provide new classrooms, space for staff, play areas and other facilities, the county council said.

There are currently 960 reception places available in Watford, with current shortfall of 89 places.

And without expansion, demand is set to lead to shortfalls of 101 places in 2011/12, 139 in 2012/13 and 123 in 2013/14.

Consultations have been held with each school that the council proposed should expand.

The majority of parents, staff and governors at Tanners Wood JMI and Holywell all approved the plans.

However, they were rejected at Cassiobury Infant, Cassiobury Junior and Beechfield schools.

Some of the common concerns included lack of parking and traffic congestion, finances, the size of school grounds and aspirations to maintain a “small school” feel.

Some even suggested other sites should be considered over theirs.

The governing body at Cherry Tree School said it “didn't know” whether it was in favour of the expansion but said it would be an opportunity for the school to develop.