PLANS TO extend Stone with Woodford Primary School could still become a reality.

Proposals for a 20-home development, new access road and school extension have been resubmitted to Stroud District Council by land-owner the diocese of Gloucester.

The original proposals were refused by the council's development control committee in November. Although members were not against the extension of the school, they voted to refuse permission for several reasons, including what was felt to be inappropriate housing and a lack of safety provision for the roads.

An appeal against the refusal is still waiting to be heard.

As the diocese owns the land, the school cannot be extended without the housing development as well. The school will principally benefit from the venture as it will gain another classroom, with extra space outside for sports activities.

When the development was refused headteacher Kim McCalmont expressed her dismay. But she now hopes that the re-submitted plans will finally mean the desperately needed extension for the 106-pupil school will be built.

Mrs McCalmont said: "We have a very small play area and we particularly need a place for PE. At the moment we have a very small hall and you can't do an indoor PE lesson with a whole class.

"We really want the plans to go through - it has got to go through. We are really determined that they will. We have a huge army of support and it would be a positive thing for the school."

At a public meeting in June chairman of governors David Joyce said: "The school is very excited about this project as it is our only real chance of getting 21st century facilities."

Planning officer Jane Brakespear said this week: "The covering letter with the application says that the plans have been amended to cover the highways issues. I don't know whether it will go back before the committee - it depends what response we get.

"There have been no objections to date but the application has only just been submitted so it is far too early to say."