The Department of Education is going back to the drawing board when it comes to plans for school extensions.

An approach was made to Douglas Corporation to see if a new facility could be built on land at Noble's Park.

However, the Corporation turned down the request, because it felt the recreational use of the park was too valuable to surrender.

There are currently plans to extend four schools but in this case, instead of simply adding classrooms to existing buildings, the department was keen to find a fresh site.

Education Minister Anne Craine (pictured) says there are some very definite requirements when it comes to finding an appropriate location for a school.

She told Manx Radio:

"When we are looking to build a new primary school we are looking in the region of about five acres.

"We don't feel we can delay these projects any further (and) we think now it's necessary to get on and do the classroom extensions that we had originally envisaged."