The planned expansion of a Cumbrian village school which is almost full has moved a step closer.

Cumbria County Council’s cabinet has agreed to publish a “statutory notice” proposing the creation of an extra classroom at Thursby Primary School.

The council’s decision kick-starts a formal ‘representation period’ during which people can submit their views, with a decision on whether the classroom will be built expected on March 21 next year.

The development was first mooted to cope with an expected surge in pupil numbers sparked by a housing development at Matty Lonning, which will see 69 homes added to the village.

The top tier authority has already carried out a consultation on the plans which are likely to increase the number of primary age children in the catchment by about 17.

When it looks likely that new housing will lead to a shortage of school places, the county council can put forward a case to the planning authority for a contribution towards providing extra places or transport to the next nearest school with places available.

If the plans ultimately get the green light, council chiefs hope the classroom will be ready in time for the start of the new school year in September.

This would mean some building work taking place while children are in lessons, but the county council has already pledged that the construction work will be kept separate and disruption kept to a minimum.

Statements to the council revealed that without the work, some children within the catchment area could be left without a place at the school.

A report to the council says: “The addition of a classroom, and the resultant increase to the published admission number at the school to 20 from the current level of 15, means that the overall capacity at the school would rise by more than 25 per cent and more than 30 pupils.

“This is classed as a ‘significant enlargement’ and means that the county council cannot build the classroom without first consulting parents on the change.”

The school now has a 105-children capacity, with 104 on the roll as of the January 2018 pupil census. Projections show that it is likely to remain full or nearly full for the foreseeable future.

A so-called section 106 agreement with the developer has provided £224,000 in funds for the scheme. Combined with a £156,000 grant from the Delegated Schools Grant, enough cash is available to fund the project.

Under the plans the bulk of the work would be finished during the school holidays.

It will also create the opportunity to construct a new main entrance for the school and move the school office.

Sue Sanderson, cabinet member for schools and learning, said feedback from the consultation had shown there were some concerns about traffic and parking.