The major development of a Bingley primary school means councillors are set to approve a pedestrian crossing, despite some residents’ complaints.

Trinity All Saints Primary School is to double in size after securing permission to build nine new classrooms to replace four temporary ones and to further expand the school roll.

To make a safer walking route for pupils it is also proposed to install a puffin crossing opposite shops on Leonard Street.

Shipley Area Committee is being urged by officers to approve this stage of the process by voting in favour of the crossing, despite an objection from a householder and six joint objections from people in the shops and flats above. Arguments include:

  • Pedestrians would be further exposed to the extremely busy parking area irrespective of any fencing off.
  • There will be reduced parking and any permitted parking within zigzag lines will reduce pedestrian safety.
  • The crossing will generate noise and fumes when vehicles stop and start.

More than 150 pupils at Trinity and All Saints Primary on Church Lane are taught in four temporary classrooms on the playground. There is no school car park, meaning staff and parents have to park in residential streets.

Bradford Council estimates that Bingley's rising population means the school will have to find even more space – and take on an extra 90 pupils over the next three years.

The expansion includes nine new classrooms, a hall, car park, kitchen, playground and “wild garden” next to the existing building.

Head teacher Jane Glendinning said the pupils deserved better than the existing building could offer, and were getting wet and cold each time they moved between the portable classrooms. She promised the new building would turn it into a “21st century school”.

Once completed, All Saints will grow from its capacity of 330 primary school pupils to 420, 270 of whom would be taught in new classrooms.

It will also lead to new jobs, with the number of staff rising from 68 to 82 and a new 45-space staff car park being built.

Shipley Area Committee meets in the council chamber at Bingley Town Hall tomorrow at 6pm.