AN overcrowded school is due to expand after attempts to find a site to build a replacement proved fruitless.

The Applegarth Primary School, in Northallerton, is seeking approval for a scheme to build a four classroom extension, two storeys high, to its premises on Upwell Road.

North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee is being urged to give the project the go-ahead when it meets in the town next week.

The Applegarth is a substantial structure that was built in around 1900, to the west of the town centre.

However, over the years the accommodation has become overcrowded and two prefabricated classes have been installed in the playground to try to ease the situation.

The new extension would be built to the south-west of the main building - which is outside the conservation area and unlisted although regarded as of some townscape significance.

If approved, as expected, the two prefabricated classes will be removed on completion of the new development.