A controversial £11million plan to expand a school to accommodate 400 extra pupils was approved yesterday.

Outline planning permission was granted for a new three-storey building and play area at Woodbridge High School, in St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, in August last year.

The latest plans were voted through at a Redbridge council regulatory committee.

Three Liberal Democrat councillors had voted against the expansion, saying it was not an appropriate site, as it is close to a residential street.

Some residents of St Barnabas Road said it was necessary due to increased numbers of children wanting school places, whereas others feared it would tower over their gardens.

The new block will be used for art, drama, history, music and ICT departments, including a new auditorium.

The school population will rise to 1,998 once the site is completed, with an additional 21 staff.