The Glenvale School would be an independent school with a Brethren denomination and is planned for the old Masonic Lodge site on High Street, Moe.

A council officer's report recommends councillors approve the application, despite an objection from a neighbour living opposite the proposed site, who is concerned about parking, traffic and devaluation issues.

According to a council officer's report, the current L-shaped, single storey building will be converted into three classrooms and a school hall, while outside there would be a playground area and off-street car parking.

There would be 19 students enrolled in the first year and this could eventually rise to about 45 students, according to the officer's report.

In a written statement to The Express, Glenvale spokesperson Tony McCorkell said the proposed primary school would accommodate up to 50 students from Moe and surrounding areas.

"We are looking forward to renovating this historic building in High Street, the cost of which will be met by local church members," he said.

"It is proposed this small school would be a campus of the Glenvale School providing the students with a strong educational network and access to a broader infrastructure."

Mr McCorkell said Glenvale would look to employ primary school teachers from the local area for the proposed opening in 2009.

"The Glenvale School has an excellent and well qualified teaching staff, none of which are members of our church," he said.

"Teachers are recruited based on their teaching ability and professional expertise."