An overcrowded private school in Frinton will be able to expand and create more space for pupils and staff.

The Catholic school, which was set up in 1926 by the Order of the Sisters of Mercy, has 176 children on the roll.

Tendring councillors decided it could use a house in Hadleigh Road, near the the site, to provide room for the nursery pupils, with a drama and music area and more storage upstairs.

But they put a condition on the school that it could not go above 180 youngsters.

Frinton and Walton town councillors had opposed the move, saying it was an overdevelopment of commercial premises in a residential area.

Catherine Jessop (Con, Southcliff) fully backed the extra room for St Philomenas.

"It will make a huge difference to the school. I cannot believe that it will make a great deal of difference to the residents."

The council had received 17 letters on the application.

Some were from parents in support and others from residents who wanted to stop it, due to fears of increased congestion in the area.

Published Friday, March 8, 2002