A treasured listed building in the grounds of West Herts College in Hempstead Road could be converted to help solve Watford’s primary school admissions crisis.

Hertfordshire County Council’s cabinet will discuss a proposal to buy the college’s “Lanchester” building, which is locally listed because of its historical and architectural significance, and convert it into a new primary school that could take in excess of 400 pupils.

County Councillor Nigel Bell sits on the education panel, which met yesteday (Thursday) to discuss the plan, and said: “Since becoming a councillor in 2005, I’ve never had so many parents tell me how disappointed they were not to get their ranked places.”

In September, 1,095 children applied for the 1,080 permanent primary school places in Watford and it is predicted by 2015/16 the shortfall will rise to 210 children.

In order to meet the demand, it has already been agreed that six Watford primary schools will take on an extra class of pupils in September permanently, and four forms of entry will have to be housed temporarily.

Under the plans, Cassiobury Infants, Cassiobury Juniors, Holywell Primary, Beechfield, St Anthony’s Catholic Primary and Cherry Tree Primary will all take on an extra class.

Following the redevelopment of the college the Lanchester building was left vacant and it has fallen into disrepair.

It covers an area of 9,100 square metres and there is also the potential for a separate car park with up to 19 spaces.

West Herts College Principal Gill Worgan said: “Lanchester House was kept due to the affection shown for the building by local residents when the new campus was still in the planning stages. “The building itself will require significant redevelopment to be suitable for full-time use. We are considering opportunities for the building’s use that would benefit the college and extend its range of provision.”

Funding for the acquisition of the building would be taken from the existing and already approved capital budget for expansion of school places.

County councilor David Lloyd said the purchase price for the building had not yet been disclosed.

He said: “It’s quite an exciting opportunity if it goes ahead. This represents excellent value for money, it’s already an educational use although will need some changes.

“It also ensures a building which many of us rather like is used for the purpose it was originally set up for.”

Watford borough councillor for Nascot ward, Mark Watkin, said he supported the scheme, subject to concerns over parking and traffic.

The county council is also looking at potential sites in Ascot Road and at the new Health Campus.

Councillor Bell added: “At last we are finally getting somewhere with the primary school places that we so desperately need.” The county council will consider the plan on Monday.