Hundreds of extra spaces to be created in primary schools in Staffordshire

Council bosses say they will need £4.5million and the money will be spent on building new classrooms and facilities.

Rising birth rates and an increase in planned housing developments are the reasons behind the move.

Schools in line for a slice of the cash include West Hill Primary in Hednesford and Hob Hill Primary in Rugeley.

Both schools will boast an additional 105 places and another 210 extra spaces will also be created at schools in Heath Hayes and Wimblebury - taking the total number of extra spaces up to 420.

Education chiefs also say there are plans to buy land somewhere in the district to build a new primary school.

George Adamson, leader of Cannock Chase Council, has welcomed the fresh investment.

He said: "It is great news. The population of Cannock is set to increase by 5,000 people with new developments and in turn this will lead to more demand on primary school places in the area.

"We need more school places as primary schools in Cannock Chase are under pressure.

"The school places will need to be available for when the housing developments are ready, especially the two developments in Hednesford, one at Pye Green Valley and one west of Pye Green Road."

The £4.5m will come from the money the district council charges developers building new homes and facilities across the district, as part of their planning permission, to enhance the local area.

Deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council, Ian Parry, said: "Rising birth rates has meant increased pressure on primary school places across Staffordshire.

"In Cannock, a forecasted increase in birth rates and planned development means the county council will need to find an extra 1,000 places over the next 15 years at an estimated cost of £17million.

"Tackling the issue early means we can work with local schools, district councils and developers to identify where housing is intended and take steps early to ensure there is enough school provision."

The new spending plans come after a number of large housing projects have been given the go-ahead in Staffordshire.

Between now and 2030 it is estimated that there will be 59,457 homes built across the county. More than 400 new homes are to be built in Pye Green Valley, Hednesford.