A school will be able to take on dozens of new pupils after plans for a new teaching block were given the green light.

The Hundred of Hoo Primary Academy in Main Road, Hoo, will become two-form entry after councillors agreed to allow work for a two-storey extension to take place.

Bosses say there are currently 212 children on the school's roll and that the expansion will allow it to accept a further 30 reception-age youngsters each year from next September.

It is expected to have 420 pupils sitting in its classrooms in six years' time.

The plans also include increasing the space at the staff car park, drop-off area and the reconfiguration of the early years play area and playground.

The proposal was approved during a planning committee meeting last night (Thursday, October 6).

Meanwhile, a bid to expand St Nicholas Infant School in Strood is due to be discussed at the next meeting on Wednesday, November 16.

The London Road site could become a one-form entry primary school, getting a new single-storey teaching block, "multi-use games area" and playground.

It was explained to councillors the school had been earmarked for expansion by the Department for Education and that pupils currently leave after Year 3.

Planning manager Kemi Erifevieme said: "In most cases, most of the children are not able to find comparable faith schools to go to."

Councillors arranged a site visit after agreeing it would be needed before they could come to a decision.

It will allow them to see the impact the building could have on neighbouring homes in Madhuran Court.

Ward councillor Stephen Hubbard (Lab) added: "This is a complex site that needs to be looked at."