THRESHFIELD's historic school looks set to double in size after a two-storey extension won the backing of national park members.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has given its go-ahead in principle to the scheme, which would provide two new classrooms, new toilets, a cloakroom and headteacher's office.

Members heard the extension would also lead to the removal of one of the two mobile classrooms which had "blighted" the ancient building for more than 25 years.

"We sought to persuade the applicants to remove the two mobile classrooms and come up with an extension but the funding is not available to replace both," said planning officer Peter Watson.

He added that care had been taken over the design of the new building so it was in keeping with the existing school.

A report to members said the extension would be larger than the current school, but would be built of natural sandstone with quoins and mullioned windows to match the original building.

"We are almost looking at history being developed because I cannot recollect a permanent extension ever being applied for at a school in the area I represent," said Shelagh Marshall.

"It is very much welcomed. This has been a successful school for well over 30 years and it has always been bulging at the seams."

Mrs Marshall added that a larger extension would be needed if both mobile classrooms were to be replaced, but the school had been unable to gain sufficient funds.

Approval is subject to the final details being approved by the authority.

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