A controversial primary school expansion has been given the go-ahead by Richmond Council’s planning committee - but not yet by the Government.

The council submitted a second planning application for additional buildings at St Mary’s and St Peter’s CE Primary School, in Teddington, to enable the school to be enlarged from two to three forms of entry by September 2011.

That application - which replaced a scheme condemned by the Football Association (FA), Sport England, the London Playing Fields Foundation and Fields in Trust - was approved by the council’s planning committee last Thursday.

However, the scheme was only approved on the proviso there is no “adverse direction” from the Government Office for London.

The first plan would have left the school with about a quarter of the outdoor space needed for team sports.

Although the new scheme has increased the area available it still needs a Government relaxation before it can be built. Richmond Council confirmed that relaxation has not been granted.

A council spokesman said the authority is still in the process of providing further information to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and it will publish the outcome of the decision as soon as it is known.

Parents have expressed concern about the lack of outdoor space for their children but John Logan, headteacher, said he was very pleased with the decision and reiterated his belief it would be good for the school and the children.

He added: “We are confident that the design provides an exciting and dynamic educational facility for the children of our school and community and puts right the design mistakes in the previous expansion of 2000.

“We are all very excited about the opportunities the expansion will bring.

Councillor Malcolm Eady, Richmond Council cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “We are pleased that the planning committee has approved the application to expand St Mary’s and St Peter’s.

“The plans will improve facilities for pupils and provide space to meet the demand for places, at what is a hugely popular and successful school.”