CONTROVERSIAL plans to expand a primary school have been submitted for planning approval. The plan would see Emmanuel Church of England Primary School, on Mill Lane, West Hampstead, pictured, taking 210 pupils rather than just more than 100 and would a

CONTROVERSIAL plans to expand a primary school have been submitted for planning approval.

The plan would see Emmanuel Church of England Primary School, on Mill Lane, West Hampstead, pictured, taking 210 pupils rather than just more than 100 and would also see the opening of a new nursery.

But some area residents have voiced their reservations about the effect the expansion could have on traffic in Mill Lane.

James Earl, of the Fordwych Residents Association, said: "The junction with Fortune Green Road is often gridlocked, particularly in the mornings.

"The school will generate more traffic and cause significant parking problems.

"To my knowledge, neither Camden Council nor the school have addressed these concerns."

Resident Virginia Berridge said she welcomed the extra community places that had been put in the plans, but she added: "People are rather concerned about the traffic implications.

She added: "We recognise they are going to take more people in but we don't want that to be at the expense of our other local school, Beckford Primary, which is very good."

The plans would mean Emmanuel can admit 30 pupils a year instead of just 15.

Ten of the 15 new places would give priority to siblings and those living closest to the school.

Chairman of governors John Ward, said: "An enlarged school would better meet the needs of our local community and our young people."

And Camden Council's Children and Young People's chief Cllr Janet Grauberg said: "We have a recognised need for extra places in Camden and the proposed expansion of this well-regarded school would help us meet that need."

The planning application for the new school, submitted by the London Diocesan Board for Schools on behalf of the school, is due to be considered by the council in June.

The aim would be for the school to admit the first group of 15 extra pupils from September 2012.

ben.greening@archant.co.uk