A school will be expanded to help deal with the growing demand for places - despite concerns from parents and neighbours.

The proposals for St John Fisher School, in Pinner, were unanimously given the go ahead by members of Harrow Borough Council’s planning committee last night.

Earlier this week the Harrow Time reported on concerns from neighbours and parents from the school about the increase of traffic and impact of the work on pupils education.

Amanda Woolams lives close to the school and spoke against the plans at the meeting.

She said: “In a survey we have carried out there was overwhelming opposition to the proposals.

“Parents are concerned about the impact of the expansion on what is an outstanding school and pupil’s education.

“We call for the plans to be put on hold and for the council to consult properly with parents and residents.”

Those against the plans were also supported by Cllr James Bond who called for the council to "go back to the drawing board".

Headteacher Ann Lyons, speaking in favour of the plans said: “We considered the proposal to expand the school very carefully and we didn’t take on the plans until we were convinced it could work.

“We have already worked hard to keep delivery and a collection times as short as possible and we will continue to do so.”

Planning committee member Stephen Greek said: “There is a massive demand for school places in Harrow and what we have here is an outstanding school that wants to expand to meet that demand.

“I get the sense from the school and the council staff that there is a willingness to deal with the traffic.”

St John Fisher is the only school in the borough to have a 'gold' rating from Transport for London for its travel planning.

It has also secured parking permits for parents to park free of charge in Cambridge Road car park during pickup and drop-off times and plans to introduce a waking bus to make the car park more convenient.

At the meeting the committee also unanimously granted planning permission for the expansion of Kenmore Junior School, Elmgrove First and Middle school, and Bentley Wood High School.

The proposals are part of the second phase of the council’s school expansion programme to provide thousands of extra places in the borough.