£7.8m school bid wins approval

Plans for a £7.8 million primary school in Leominster have been approved by planners in Herefordshire.

The council has begun the legal process to create a new school which will join up Leominster infant and junior schools.

The council cabinet backed the decision last Thursday but also needs the approval of the Secretary of State.

Although the Government wants to see more businesses, charities or parents' groups compete to run new schools, it will consider an exemption if the local community prefers its council to run it.

Consultation last year resulted in 73 per cent of respondents supporting the proposal to amalgamate the schools, and when asked how it should be run, the overwhelming majority gave a vote of confidence to the local authority.

The council said a new school, providing 630 places for children aged four to 11, would be a big boost to Leominster.

The investment is part of a £30 million package going towards supporting schools in the market town.

Councillor Philip Price, a council cabinet member, said: "The new primary school will make more effective use of resources.

"It will share teacher expertise and provide a consistent support for children's achievement in one school."

Approval permitting, the new school will be built on land next to the existing site in September 2012.