PLANS to build a village primary school are expected to be approved next week.

An application for outline planning permission has been submitted for the school at Low Lane, Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk.

Governors say the present school, which occupies a cramped site next to the village hall, will close if it does not receive permission to move. To remain on its existing site, the school must develop a playground.

The parish council supports the idea for an improved school, but has voiced concerns about the plans. It says the access route is narrow and flooding is a problem in the area.

Nine letters of objection have been sent to North Yorkshire County Council by residents, who say there is no room on Low Lane for vehicles to manoeuvre.

However, 253 letters of support have been sent by village residents, children, teachers, and governors.

The county council's director of environmental services, Mike Moore, has recommended that planning permission be granted.

He said: "The existing primary school is situated off the A170 on a small, constricted site adjoining the village hall.

"Within the main building, there is one classroom and the village hall is rented to provide additional space.

"The existing school complex is substandard in terms of the range and quality of accommodation, lack of a playing field and a meaningful hard play area.

"Although there are concerns regarding highway issues and flood risk, these issues have been addressed and do not warrant the grant of planning permission being withheld.

"On balance, it is considered that the proposals would provide for a much-improved school facility."

The council's planning committee will discuss the application on Tuesday.