Multi-million pound Erskine school extension approved despite over 200 objections

A multi-million-pound extension of Park Mains High School in Erskine – which sparked an influx of objections – will go ahead after it was approved by Renfrewshire councillors.

Education officers’ bid for permission for the proposal at the Barrhill Road facility landed the green light, subject to conditions, at the planning and climate change policy board on Tuesday.

The 400-pupil expansion is needed to meet an expected rise in numbers – largely linked to the growth of Bishopton’s Dargavel Village – in the years ahead.

More than 200 objections were submitted ahead of the meeting as a number of people expressed concerns that the adjusted capacity of 2,000 would still not be sufficient to cope with future demand.

Many felt investment in a new high school in Bishopton made more sense, but the local authority insisted that it was not considered “best value” for money.

However, new projections produced as part of a partnership between Renfrewshire Council and experts Edge Analytics recently indicated that an extended Park Mains would be able to handle any potential surge.

While previous estimates said the school roll could exceed 2,000 by 2032/33, the latest figures show a ‘high’ scenario peak in 2033/34 at 1,941.

A report, which was discussed at the education and children’s services policy board last week, explained: “The most recent pupil forecasts show even with the high scenario, the 15-year peak is showing below the 2,000 future school capacity.

“In 2024, as part of the previous pupil projection forecasts published, it showed a scenario of Park Mains potentially reaching 2,169 pupils in the academic year 2033/34.

“It should be pointed out that projections for all schools assume current rates of placing requests from outside the catchment will continue and have modelled those forward.

“The council has clearly outlined its position in relation to how the capacity of Park Mains would be managed, should a scenario occur where the 2,000 figure was reached.

“The long-standing admissions policy would be utilised if required to ensure priority places went to pupils living in the catchment who attended an associated primary school.

“This position remains, albeit, current projections suggest this would not be required, even in the ‘high’ scenario.”

The decision to extend Park Mains to add capacity for another 400 pupils was made at the education and children’s services policy board in May 2023.

Key elements of the project include a teaching annex next to the existing west wing, providing additional classroom space to support a growing student roll, and a PE annex adjacent to the current PE block, expanding the school’s sports facilities.

Additionally, a dining extension will serve an increased number of pupils during break and lunch times, while reconfiguration of the internal layout of the existing school building to group related subjects together will look to create more integrated learning environments.

A report of handling by the council’s chief planning officer said the proposal was in line with the provisions of the development plan.