Three councillors have voiced their objection to plans to expand a high school by 400 places.

At a meeting of the cabinet on January 8, councillors were asked to view the results of a consultation into the expansion of Woodbridge High School in St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green.

Cllrs Gwyneth Deakins, Felicity Banks and Richard Hoskins requisitioned the report, forcing the report to be brought before full council tomorrow.

Cllr Hoskins said: “We are saving our arguments for Thursday night.

“We believe Woodbridge High school is too small for an additional 400 pupils.

"The school has got the smallest amount of outdoor space of any secondary school in the borough – another building would mean adding more pupils to a smaller space.”

Cabinet member for Children’s Services, cllr Alan Weinberg, said: “Imagine the outcry if we didn’t provide additional school places – frankly it would be illegal.

“I am guided by the consultation, by the head teacher and by the governing body of the school.

“It just seems such a great thing to do and will give additional pupils a good education.

"It is no secret school places in Redbridge are needed."

A total of 423 comments were received by the council about the expansion, with 25 per cent objecting to the plans.

Objections included concerns regarding overcrowding, loss of outdoor space, increased traffic and congestion and decreasing educational standards.

Comments in favour of the proposal appreciated the need for more secondary school places, but suggested there was a need for extra bus routes.