POPULATION growth has led to an expansion at a village primary school.

Development near Benson CE Primary School has led to increased demand for places, and Oxfordshire County Council is now consulting on expansion plans.

The school near Wallingford would take on 45 reception children per year instead of the current 30, starting from 2019.

Pupils would be accommodated in a new three-classroom building opposite the current school building in Oxford Road.

A letter sent to parents by the school 's head said: "With the new developments in and around the area, there will be a higher demand for school places.

"We are currently at the highest intake we have seen in recent years.

"We want to reassure parents that regardless of the possible expansion, we aim to maintain the nurturing ethos and values of our school.

"[Expansion] does not mean 45 in each class, as we will have two cohorts."

There is also potential for another phase of expansion in future if need for school places in the village continues to increase.

The new building will be built partly on the existing playground and sports field, taking up 25 per cent of the playing field.

According to the school, developer Cala Homes has agreed to provide another sports field with amenities within a new nearby housing development it is building.

The school's letter stated: "This is not a major impact on the playing field and we will still be able to teach physical education, run clubs and sporting events."

It said Kier, the construction company set to build the extension, has agreed to talk to pupils about building site safety.

To view the proposal, visit consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk.