PART of a small village school in Furness is set to be demolished to make way for an overhaul of its facilities.

Penny Bridge C of E School, at Greenodd, near Ulverston, will have part of its school house demolished ahead of a brand new classroom and improved ICT and library facilities being created, after permission was unanimously granted by South Lakeland District Council’s Planning Committee.

“The school is expanding its floor space to make life a little bit easier,” explained Coun Brenda Gray. “That can only be good for the children.”

However, several neighbours spoke out at the meeting to oppose the plan, branding it ‘unneighbourly’.

Letters of objection were also received by the council, saying an increase in floor space could bring more pupils ‘at the expense’ of other schools.

They also said there could be increased noise and a rise in ‘inconsiderate parking’ by school users.

“If someone is in the garden of the school house and they sneeze we hear them,” said one neighbour. “We already hear the conversations that take place in the school house and it’s very intrusive.”

Others said if pupil numbers are increased it could spell danger on the road outside the school.

“I have sympathy with the neighbours,” Coun Mary Wilson told the meeting. “But I don’t think there’s planning grounds we can refuse on.”

The development must now be carried out within three years.