A planning application has been submitted to make Bilston Urban Village the home of the new Loxdale Primary School.

The move forms part of City of Wolverhampton Council's school expansion plans and will help meet the extra demand for places from the new housing development.

If approved, the school will move from its current building in Chapel Street to a new purpose built facility on land between Dudley Street and Bankfield Road that will enable reception class admissions to double from 30 to 60 each year, with effect from September 2018.

Up to 500 homes are being built across the Bilston Urban Village site, with Countryside named as the preferred developer for the 27 acre site off Coseley Road.

Kier are nearing completion of their development of 78 homes, comprising 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties, on two other Bilston Urban Village plots either side of the entrance to Carder Crescent

City of Wolverhampton Council Director for City Economy, Keren Jones, said: "The development of almost 500 homes on the Bilston Urban Village site will make a significant impact in achieving our housing targets in the City of Wolverhampton.

"The programme is more than that though. It is about creating a sustainable place where people want to live and work. The council has spent a lot of time making sure there is good road access, and ensuring that the new housing will be well connected to the town centre with a bus only link, cycleways, pedestrian routes and green spaces.

"It is an ideal location for the new Loxdale Primary School, which will provide excellent facilities for all pupils.

"The urban village is a key part of the wider regeneration of the city, bringing new homes, new jobs and more investment. It demonstrates our commitment to Bilston and ensures it will continue to be a thriving area."

Meredith Teasdale, City of Wolverhampton Council's Director for Education, added: "Demand for educational provision in Wolverhampton has increased significantly in recent years, showing people want to live and be educated in our growing city. At the same time, the number of local schools rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted now stands at nearly 90%, meaning there is even greater demand for places within our schools.

"Despite the successful creation of over 2,500 additional primary school places since 2012, further expansion is now required and the development of the new Loxdale Primary School has an important role to play in meeting the needs of our growing population."

Bilston Urban Village will be connected by around 14 hectares of land designated for public open space and nature conservation, with walking and cycling routes. Award winning company, idverde, is currently carrying out landscaping works.

The first phases of Bilston Urban Village produced significant investment in the building of the Bert Williams Leisure Centre and South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy - improving health and increasing opportunities. A commercial development plot fronting the Black Country Route and the newly named Bert Turner Boulevard linking the site with the town centre was also created.

This has been followed by the recently opened Marston's family pub/restaurant, the White Rabbit.

  • released: Thursday 29 March, 2018