Proposals to build a temporary free school in Hornsey Lane while work on a permanent building gets under way have been submitted to Islington and Haringey councils for approval.

The former Ashmount Primary School site was earmarked for a housing development after a new school had been built at nearby Crouch Hill Park to replace the old one.

However, Education Secretary Michael Gove told the council he wanted a new free primary school, Whitehall Park School, built at the site in Hornsey Lane, Hornsey Rise, instead.

Councillors insisted the extra school places in the area are not needed but according to the Department for Education, demand is high.

An FOI request revealed the school had received 72 applications to send their children there in the reception year. However, only 56 places are available.

The applicants, which include a school services firm and another group which runs seven prep schools, hope to build a temporary building which will accept 56 pupils from September.

It will be used for a year while a separate application is made to construct a permanent school building on the same site.

The plans include proposals for “three-single storey modular buildings” with adjoining canopy.