A primary school has been given the go-ahead to build a new nursery.

Halling Primary School, in Halling, has been given permission to build a single-storey nursery which could house up to 36 pupils.

The plans submitted to Medway Council's planning committee were for a new detached nursery building which would be built on a grass area on the school's property.

It was also proposed that the site's 35 current parking spaces would be increased to 45, with three being used as drop-off spaces.

The plans for the new building were also noted as being designed to complement the current school and were recommended for approval.

Conservative councillor for Rainham North Cllr Martin Potter was very supportive of the application.

After concerns about parking issues were raised by the area's equally supportive Conservative councillor Matt Fearn, Cllr Potter defended the plans.

He said: "I think nurseries on school sites work well.

"They support the transitioning for children into primary school and they link with the school in terms of resources.

"With regards to the highways concerns, in my experience with my little nephew, nurseries usually want pupils in before 8.30am so they can give them breakfast.

"They also have lunch and an afternoon snack which means they often don't want the children picked up before 3pm.

"So parents will have to come earlier in the day, so I would've thought most children will come in earlier and leave later than the main school which won't cause an increase in parking issues."

The only other concern mentioned was by Cllr Simon Curry, who represents Labour for Luton and Wayfield.

He said: "I'm quite happy with the proposal, however there is no indication about how the building is going to be heated and cooled.

"With the 40 degree heat we had last summer, which is proposed again in future years, cooling with air conditioning is key as is heating in the winter.

"This could be a zero-carbon opportunity."

In response to this, head of planning Dave Harris said: "At the moment we have some measures in terms of energy efficiency in place and we're seeking to secure them through a condition.

"Reflecting on what you said we could amend that condition to require further information."

For further information about the plans click here.

To conclude vice chairman Cllr Chris Buckwell said: "Approval is subject to conditions that there is to be a rewording in relation to the climate matters. "

The plans were approved after 15 councillors voted in favour.