STOCKTON councillors have approved plans to extend a private school, despite strong objection from villagers.

More than 1,100 letters and a 1,500-signature petition against plans submitted by Red House School, Norton, were received by the council.

Residents argued that the extension could lead to increased pupil numbers at the school, exacerbating what they see as an already intolerable problem with traffic congestion and parking round the village green.

But at last Friday's planning committee meeting, some members voiced fears that the school could move out of the village if the plans were not approved. This could, in turn, lead to more housing which would worsen the situation, they said.

Norton councillors Steve Nelson and Robert Cook both spoke against the application.

Coun Nelson said: "There's a long history of problems between the school and residents and people are scared the school is going to further encroach on the green and traffic is going to increase."

Coun Nelson added that many villagers felt the school had outgrown the area and were not averse to it relocating.

But councillors heard that, contrary to villagers' fears, the school had no plans to increase the number of pupils, so traffic problems would not worsen. The school had also promised to promote a travel scheme involving more buses and car sharing.

The planning committee eventually voted to approve the plans, although a decision on whether to allow part of a Grade II-listed wall to be demolished was deferred for more information to be gathered.

Speaking after the meeting, Bob Harbron of the Norton Heritage Group said: "We're very disappointed. The decision will alienate the whole village from the school."

James Robson, parent governor at the school and a member of the school's development committee, said: "We are delighted. As long as the plans have been approved, we have no plans to move.

"We don't condone parents arguing with villagers over parking but this happens every day at any given supermarket car park."