Barnet Council has this week finally granted planning permission for a major re-development of the Edgware Jewish Primary School site in Hale Lane, Edgware.

The planning committee's unanimous decision, which follows a controversial withdrawal of the application last August to allow for further consideration of environmental, noise and traffic issues in the face of opposition from neighbours, gives the green light to the construction of a new school building on the present site.

The site, owned by the Jewish Secondary Schools Movement, currently houses the school's nursery as well as the Edgware Adath Yisroel Congregation. The intended move by the shul to nearby former church premises acquired last year opens the way for the demolition of the existing buildings and the erection of a new school.

Demand is heavy for places at the school, which earlier this year received a glowing Ofsted report. Since its launch just two years ago, it has been over-subscribed. Currently, EJPS has 74 pupils across four school years from nursery through to Year 2. Once the school is fully established by September 2012, it will, together with the nursery, accommodate nearly 300 pupils.

Chair of governors Eddy Breuer-Weil said. "This is an opportunity for us to give our children the best start in life."