KNUTSFORD’S school places dilemma could soon be a thing of the past.

Expansion plans for two Knutsford primary schools have been submitted to Cheshire East Council – and if both get the green-light the area’s school places deficit would be resolved.

The Local Authority is proposing the expansion of Manor Park School and Nursery, which would see the current capacity of 210 school places increase to 315 from September 2015– a total of 105 new places.

This proposal is one of two possible expansions proposed for the Knutsford area which, if approved, would provide a total of 175 additional pupil places.

A separate proposal has been submitted for Mobberley CE Primary School which would provide an additional 70 pupils places from September 2014.

These proposals are in answer to the recent pupil forecasts for the Knutsford Local Area Partnership which indicated a shortfall of 174 places across all 10 primary schools by 2018.

The consultation document for Manor Park School and Nursery states: “The changing demographics of Knutsford and the demand for places at the local primary schools indicate that the area has insufficient capacity to accommodate local demand.

“Long term measures are necessary to accommodate this anticipated increase in demand due to population growth in the area.”

The consultation period for Manor Park School and Nursery is currently in operation and will end on February 11 whilst Mobberley CE Primary School’s consultation period is due to commence on February 4.

Consultation documents state that Manor Park School’s existing site is large enough to allow for the expansion without compromising the adequate playground and playing field provision but Mobberley CE Primary School must acquire additional land to facilitate its expansion.

The acquisition of the adjacent Mode Cottage has therefore been investigated and a request for permission to proceed with the purchase of the property will be considered at a meeting of the Portfolio Holder for Finance on 23 January 2014.