STAFF at an Amersham school say they are “delighted” after plans for new facilities were approved by planners.

Chiltern District Council granted permission for St Mary’s School to build an extension to provide new classrooms and offices and a larger hall.

It will also mean St Mary's, in School Lane, will now be able to provide hot lunches and hold full school assemblies.

Staff said the school is currently “heavily oversubscribed” and planning permission will allow it to “provide the necessary facilities that the children require rather than increase capacity”.

Members of the council's planning committee went along with officers' recommendations to give the scheme the green light.

Headteacher Julie Hills said: “We are delighted that planning permission has been granted.”