Millions of pounds is set to be spent expanding capacity at two primary schools - in order to cater for hundreds of extra children from new housing developments.

Kent County Council wants to increase pupil numbers at Water Meadows in Hersden and Canterbury’s Pilgrim’s Way.

The roll is set to double at the village school from 105 to 210.

Education chiefs are anxious to increase places ahead of 2,055 new homes being built in the “Marshside” area – which includes Hersden, Sturry and Broad Oak and borders Herne Bay.

Persimmon is seeking planning permission for a further 800 homes adjacent to Water Meadows – which controversially changed its name from Hersden Primary School in September.

Meanwhile, the Hoplands Farm development currently under construction by Redrow will see 250 new-builds on land just off Island Road.

In official documents, Kent County Council says: “This proposal for expansion of Water Meadows Primary school will provide the additional places needed to accommodate the additional pupils from new housing developments coming forward in the planning area.”

"The expansion would be nothing but advantageous to the school..."

The Stour Academy Trust, which runs the school, is supportive of the £2.3 million expansion plans for the proposed extension.

CEO Simon O’Keefe said: “Improving the life chances of all children remains our number one priority and any capacity increase will allow more children to receive the high quality education and learning opportunities provided by Water Meadows Primary.”

City councillor Georgina Glover (Con), who represents the area and is a member of the trust, said: “The expansion would be nothing but advantageous to the school, parents and the pupils.”

The Trust has submitted a separate planning application to KCC, seeking to build four new classrooms, refurbish the existing ICT suite and create an extension to the main hall. Upgrades will also be made to the drainage, water and power.

Meanwhile, at Pilgrims Way almost £2 million will be spent in order to increase the number of pupils from 315 to 420.

The school is within the “Canterbury City” area – which also includes Thanington, Blean and Chartham Hatch – where KCC has identified plans for 6,533 new homes. This includes 500 houses on the former Howe Barracks site - controversially acquired by Redbridge Council.

Canterbury city councillor Dave Wilson (Lab), who represents the area, said the school expansion is long “overdue” and “necessary”. He is also calling for traffic calming measures to be introduced due to concerns over added congestion.

Veritas Academy Trust, which runs Pilgrims Way, has endorsed the expansion. Bosses say it will help secure the “long-term financial viability” of the school.

Staff and parents have also offered their support as part of a public consultation, which ran from October 4 to November 22 last year.

If approved, additional staff will be employed and about £930,000 invested from developer contributions, including £81,473 collected by Canterbury City Council.

Trust leaders are also expected to submit a separate planning application to KCC to build two new classrooms, refurbish existing classes and extend the main hall as part of the redevelopment.

KCC will discuss the plans at a meeting of the children’s, young people and education cabinet committee in Maidstone tomorrow (Friday).

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