Hundreds of pupils will study at a new primary school and nursery after plans were unanimously approved by councillors.

More than 400 students will enrol at Rochester Riverside school once the development is completed over the next three years.

It will form part of the wider Rochester Riverside development which, once complete, will have 1,400 new homes and a Travelodge.

Medway Council's head of planning, Dave Harris, described the area as "one of the most important regeneration sites in Medway" as the authority's planning committee widely backed the move in a virtual meeting.

However, some concerns were raised around the need for a new level crossing at the school's main entrance in Corporation Street, near Rochester Station.

Medway Council's deputy planning committee chairman, Cllr Stuart Tranter (Con) said it was needed to avoid "undue risks" for pupils walking to the site.

Rochester Cllr Nick Bowler (Lab) added: "These roads will get even busier when the new hotel gets up and running. I feel another crossing is needed."

Officers pointed out that a pedestrian crossing will be built connecting the Rochester Riverside residential development to the school.

They also told members that "high level" discussions were under way with the highways department around the creation of a second crossing near the site.

Pilgrim Multi Academy Trust will be the school provider, which is due to open by September 2022. The institution's design will take inspiration from Rochester Castle and the town's Cathedral.

A two-phased opening will see space initially provided for 210 pupils, 26 full-time nursery places and 16 jobs. This will expand to cater for 210 extra pupils and 26 staff in total.

Rochester Riverside school will be up to three storeys high. The lower ground floor will include car parking, a lobby, PE store and staff room. The first floor will provide classrooms, toilets and a lift.

A school hall, multi-use games area (MUGA) and other sports facilities will be created on the 0.91 hectare site, which is north of Gas House Road, bounded by the River Medway and Castle View Business Centre.

Medway Council's seven-person planning committee overwhelmingly supported the move and all voted in favour.

Cllr Bowler added: "I'm very happy with the application, clearly as the development on Riverside takes full steam ahead we are going to need an extra school."

The former coach and car park site contains a section of Rochester city wall, a grade I listed structure, with initial concerns raised about protecting the historic asset when the plans were submitted 14 months ago.

Medway Council officers admit that the remains of the 55m Roman wall has "historic significance" and a high potential for Roman remains on the site.

Historic England and Kent County Council's (KCC) archaeology team both initially opposed the proposal due to the likely damage, but have backed the move since the school was relocated further from the wall.

A new vehicle access point will be made, entering and exiting the site via a new spine road off Gas House Lane.

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