Council bosses have assured a Mearns community that plans for a £1.4million primary school extension are on track, despite calls for a further consultation.
Laurencekirk Primary School urgently needs the extension to cope with the growing number of youngsters attending.
Earlier this week, the Kincardine and Mearns area committee agreed the project should be put out to tender.
However, members instructed the council to hold another consultation with the community to make sure the extension meets their needs.
They also asked for further information on the projected rolls for the school.
Last night Maria Walker, director of education and children’s services, stressed the additional consultation would not hamper the development.
She said: “Aberdeenshire Council would like to reassure parents, carers and the wider community that the green light for the extension to Laurencekirk Primary School was agreed at Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee on Tuesday, June 30.
“Members of the committee agreed that the project should be put out to tender to the cost estimate of £1,476,500.
“In order to meet the requirements of community groups councillors also instructed the council to further engage with the community on the detail of accommodation being offered and stressed the importance of this.
“Members highlighted the fact that it would be a positive community resource at the opposite end of Laurencekirk from the Mearns Community Campus and a benefit for older people and community groups.”
The extension will be in two parts, with the larger new wing creating three new classrooms for primary pupils, along with a general purpose room that will be used by the after-school club and other community groups.
There will also be space for group work.
In the nursery, a new secure vestibule is planned to create a more “aesthetically-pleasing entrance” as well as a sensory room, changing space and a two’s room.