A decision on plans for a major expansion of a Wiltshire school is expected by the end of this year.

Plans were initially submitted in February 2023 for the expansion of Abbeyfield School in Chippenham to create an additional 450 school places over three phases.

If approved, each phase would see the creation of facilities to help accommodate a further 150 children near the site’s borders with Stanley Lane and London Road.

After a planning process lasting nearly two years, a decision on the proposal may finally be nearing after a new decision deadline of December 31 was set.

This comes after multiple revisions were made to the plans.

At the time the application was first submitted, headteacher Nick Norgrove described the proposed development as an “exciting opportunity.”

READ MORE: Plans for upgrades at one of town's most prominent beauty spots

Plans for the expansion of Abbeyfield SchoolPlans for the expansion of Abbeyfield School (Image: Wiltshire Council) He said: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for the Abbeyfield community to be part of its future development and ensure the school has the facilities to continue to grow and provide a high quality educational experience for many years to come.

“This combined with the ability to provide local community groups with the opportunity to make use of the new facilities will enhance the accessibility of provision for everyone on this side of Chippenham.”

The planned expansion comes in response to growing demand for school places in the area due to multiple applications for large housing developments across Chippenham.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for education and skills, believes Abbeyfield has outgrown its current site.

She said: “Abbeyfield School is a wonderful place for young people to learn but it has now outgrown its current environment.

“The school needs more space and facilities to meet its rising population of pupils. We are proposing this investment to meet future demand as the need for places increases.

“As a council we have an excellent track record of ensuring school places are available, but we are never complacent and we always plan ahead.

“This is an ambitious scheme over three phases which, if agreed, will ensure Abbeyfield School can continue to provide a first class education well into the future.”

In the initial plans, it was suggested that phase one of the scheme would include the main core of a new building, followed by additional classrooms and learning areas and, finally, specialist art and DT classrooms and a fitness suite.

A car park with 47 spaces is also proposed alongside cycle storage.

The development would be constructed and operated by Wiltshire Council.