TWO new classrooms could be added to a primary school in a bid to cope with an expected increase in school roll.

East Lothian Council wants to add two classrooms to the east side of St Gabriel’s RC Primary School, in Prestonpans, as more housing being built in the town is expected to increase the school roll, which is currently 208, including the nursery.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said: “We have submitted a planning application to alter and extend St Gabriel’s Primary School in Prestonpans.

“The proposed work includes alterations to the nursery, increasing its space by expanding into the existing primary one classroom.

“An extension will create space for a new primary one classroom and provide an additional classroom.

“Our five-year capital programme has allocated £1.014m for the works, which are required to accommodate an increase in nursery provision through the Scottish Government’s expansion of funded early learning and childcare, as well as the need for additional classroom space.

“In addition, the classroom extension will receive developers’ contributions from Blindwells and the nursery expansion will receive funding from the Scottish Government.”

Plans showing the proposed changes are now with the local authority’s planning department.

The school, which has been extended several times over the years, first opened its doors in 1967.

Currently, it has seven open plan classrooms, with two further nursery playrooms and other facilities.

The proposed works would see two new primary school classrooms, as well as an expanded nursery space with new external canopy and the existing nursery reconfigured.

The design and access statement included within the planning application notes: “The completed extension will provide state-of-the-art teaching and play facilities in line with the client’s brief, as well as promoting energy efficiency through its design.

“The project is to reflect the standards commensurate with a modern school facility and provide a high-quality environment that will inspire both staff and young people to achieve their full potential.”

The plans for the school could ultimately be decided by the local authority’s planning committee, with all four members of the Preston Seton Gosford ward – Lachlan Bruce, Neil Gilbert, Willie Innes and Fiona O’Donnell – part of the committee.