Councillors are to make a site visit before deciding whether to approve an independent school's controversial expansion plans.

St Helen and St Katharine School wants to build a new studio theatre and library, and improve its music, arts and design building.

A new swimming pool and better sports facilities are also proposed.

But the proposals have angered neighbours living next to the school in Harding Road, Rawlings Grove and Faringdon Road. They say there would be extra traffic, parking problems and a loss of privacy, with the theatre overlooking homes.

Vale of White Horse District Council's development control committee members were left in no doubt about the residents' feelings at a recent meeting and agreed to visit the site.

The school has reduced the height of the planned studio theatre and classrooms.

To minimise noise the building would be acoustically sealed.

The council's planning officers say the proposed new swimming pool, and arts and design and library buildings would not lead to a loss of privacy for residents.

The development control committee is expected to make a decision on the scheme later this month.