A primary school has been given the green light to turn an abandoned youth centre into classrooms.

Mayplace Primary School in Woodside Road, Barnehurst has permission granted to demolish an old youth centre and build six new classrooms and a small hall.

Approval was given after the need for additional primary school places was described as a 'very special circumstance'.

In a report, it said the extra school space will "help address the continuing need to improve and expand the boroughs primary schools to meet the anticipated demands in the local area."

According to the report, demand for school places is going to keep increasing in Bexley until at least 2022.

Between 2010 and 2017, 18 schools have expanded to allow for an extra 3,615 spaces.

Without the expansion, council officers do not think Bexleyheath would meet the demand for school places.

One neighbour spoke at the meeting to raise concerns that the height of the new classroom block would allow pupils and other visitors hiring the building at weekends to look in to his home backing on to the school.

Councillors agreed a screen of trees would need to be planted to protect his privacy.

The school will expand 212 pupils.

Permission was granted by Bexley's planning committee last night, Thursday, October 5.