Plans by Powys County Council to close Llanbister CP School should be abandoned because of a projected increase in pupil numbers.

According to a report to be considered by full council on September 8 before being considered by cabinet on September 27, projected increases at Llanbister CP School mean closure plans should change.

But, plans to close a second primary school Llanfihangel Rhydithon CP School will go ahead if a recommendation is approved by the cabinet.

In January the cabinet triggered formal consultation on the future of the two schools with proposals to close both sites from December 2016. Consultation on the proposal opened on February 11 and closed on May 5.

Cabinet Member for Schools, Councillor Arwel Jones said; “During the consultation concerns were raised about the capacity of the named receiving school, Crossgates to accommodate the pupils. Information was also received that suggested an increase in pupil numbers at Llanbister CP School to a point where it would have more than 50 pupils on roll.

“Another point of concern was the impact on pupils from the additional travel to Crossgates or their closest alternative school.

“As a result of the information and concerns the cabinet is being recommended to abandon the closure plans for Llanbister and bring a new report on its future to cabinet in November.

“Although similar concerns were raised about capacity at Crossgates during the Llanfihangel consultation and information about a small increase in pupils, the numbers on roll would still remain below 50. As a result it would not meet the authority’s aspiration to have single year group classes.

“However, it will not be possible to conclude the necessary procedures for the school to close on December 31, this year so the cabinet will be asked to approve the publication of a statutory notice proposing closure of Llanfihangel Rhydithon CP School from the 31st August 2017,” he added.