Expansions to two Watford schools were approved by councillors on Monday.

Hertfordshire County Council, which is battling a shortfall of primary school places in the town, will now increase capacity at Cassiobury junior and infant schools – despite opposition form neighbouring residents.

Both schools will accommodate for an additional 30 children (one form of entry) – the first from September 2013 and the second from September 2012. As a result, 90 new children (three forms of entry) would begin classes at the schools every year.

Residents had complained of increased traffic and damage to the schools’ good academic reputation, as more children compete for teachers’ time their current small community spirit is eroded.

Separate planning applications must now be approved before any building work can take place – giving residents another chance to have their say on the issue.

Labour County Councillor Nigel Bell said he understood the concerns of the community but said the expansion would benefit the rest of the town.

He said: “There is no other available land available to expand at our schools so this is really the only option available to us so I broadly support this idea.

“I can understand the frustrations of residents, however, because this has not been handled properly by the county council.”

Expansions to other schools have also been agreed. They are: Beechfield School (one form of entry by 2012), Cherry Tree Primary (one form of entry by2011), Holywell Primary (one form of entry by 2012), and Tanners Wood School, Abbots Langley (half a form of entry by 2012.).

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