The local planning committee has backed proposed changes to primary school zoning to the Westhill network — Westhill, Crombie, Elrick and Skene.

The Garioch Area Committee supported the plans, which will now go to Aberdeenshire Council’s education committee on February 4 for approval.

The new zones, if approved, will only come into effect for new children moving into the area, or for the new cohort of P1 pupils in August 2016.

No existing pupils will be forced to move to a different school, and siblings will continue to be able to attend the same school.

A report from education officers said: “All of the Broadshade housing development should be zoned to Crombie School, ensuring Skene School keeps its rural identity.

“To compensate for the Westward expansion of Crombie School, the area around Morven Drive in Westhill should be rezoned to Westhill School.

“In addition, Crombie School may need to be extended to cope with all additional pupils, the cap at Elrick School can be lifted, and it may ultimately be possible to remove the temporary accommodation at Skene School.”