Plans for a new building at Sandwich Technology School will only be backed by Kent Highways if the school does not increase its pupil numbers.

The school in Deal Road wants to provide a temporary building to be used as a classroom on an area of unused land. This will provide teaching facilities for the sixth form Football Academy.

School business manager Andy Fisher said: “The building is to cater for our Football Academy, providing them with an improved learning space and it is not with a view to expand the student roll.”

A design statement by Mr Fisher states that the building will use the old allotment area.

He said: “The current teaching facilities for the sixth form Football Academy are woefully inadequate to meet their needs. The current space acts as a teaching space, IT suite (with laptops), changing room and store area.

“The space vacated would then be converted into a sixth form-designated science practical room.”

Kent Highways has no objection to the proposals providing that the school numbers do not increase, and states the school needs to clarify this before it can proceed.

Speaking at the town council meeting on Monday, councillors said they supported the school’s plans in principle but subject to approval from Highways.

Cllr Paul Carter said: “It’s not to increase the pupil numbers, it’s for the school’s football academy. Currently they don’t have a classroom for the football academy so this way they don’t have to sit outside in the rain.”

Cllr Joe Trussler added: “I know for a fact the school is never going to have more pupils but what does worry me is they want Highways’ support for the rest of the buses on that road. We must support the Highways’ decision.”