CAMPAIGNERS often cite the squeeze on schools as a good reason not to build.

But Kirklees Council's education chiefs say numbers of pupils are actually falling.

And at present there is currently room for thousands more children.

Officials assess building developments and calculate their impact on schools.

And a plan that looks ahead to 2008 aims to make sure there are enough places.

A spokeswoman said: "The School Organisation Plan forecasts pupil numbers, and looks at the capacity of schools and current numbers on roll.

"Data provided by the council's planning service on potential new dwellings which may impact on future pupil numbers in a local area is also included."

In January last year, there were 33,929 full-time pupils in Kirklees primary schools.

And the total accommodation capacity was 37,537 places - meaning that, all together, there was room 3,608 more, or 9.6% extra.

Also, primary school numbers are forecast to decrease to 32,524 pupils by 2008 representing a decrease of 1,405 pupils (4.1%).

The spokeswoman continued: "We collate information on births and has access to the number of pre-school-age children."

Officials keep tabs on numbers of youngsters in each post code area.

They claim only a minority of schools are facing a squeeze on places.

And they say they expect to have more gaps in schools in years to come.

Numbers of children at the district's seven middle schools stood at 2,766, leaving room for just 13 newcomers. At high schools, 24,029 pupils were enrolled. The total capacity was 26,618 providing a surplus of 2,589 places.

The spokeswoman said: "Forecasts for high schools show numbers on roll peaking across the LEA in 2004 at 24,097 pupils followed by a steady decline to 23,644 by 2008."

Post-16 numbers in Kirklees high schools are currently 1,568. Forecasts suggest numbers will peak in high school at 1,598 in 2005, decreasing to 1,542 in 2007, then increase slightly again in 2008 to 1,552.

Current planning permissions will result in thousands of new homes across Kirklees.

The largest sites at Weatherhill Road, Lindley, north of Bradley Road, Huddersfield, south of Ravensthorpe Road, between Ravensthorpe and Thornhill Lees and at Soothill, Batley, are all "on hold" and are unlikely to be started for at least five years, probably longer.

Other sites for possible development are classed as "windfalls" because they are not necessarily expected.

An example is the Hollybank site adjacent to Lindley Junior School which was released by Huddersfield University for housing development. A total of 137 new homes are being built on this site.

Also classed as "windfalls" are the Spa Green Quarry site at lepton, the Gomersal Mills site and the Bridon Wire Works in Cleckheaton.

The spokeswoman said: "All these are of considerable size and could have a significant impact. They are not, however, identified in the Unitary Development Plan for housing."

Education chiefs are always notified about planning applications, and get their say before permission is granted or refused.