PLANS have been approved for a state-of-the-art new primary school which will be an 'asset' to a Herefordshire village.

The one-form entry school – with a nursery and parking provision – will be built on land adjacent to Colwall Village Hall at Mill Lane.

Pupils are currently taught in temporary accommodation after the existing school was classed as unfit for purpose due to increasing damp.

Funds for the new school were approved by Herefordshire Council’s cabinet last month, with the Mill Lane site costing £1.2 million and the construction of the school costing an estimated £5.1 million.

The scheme, which will provide accommodation for 210 children, was supported by the parish council and ward member, Cllr Tony Johnson.

Councillor Jonathan Lester, cabinet member for young people and children's wellbeing, said at last Wednesday's planning meeting that the new school was an 'exciting opportunity'.

It would provide pupils and families who wish to be educated in Colwall with an up to date, purpose-built, twenty first century building that will be an excellent learning environment, he said.

Councillor Phil Edwards praised the work put into the project but said he would have liked to have seen a 20mph limit outside the school, rather than 30mph.

Members of the planning committee commended the consultation process which had involved the parish council, residents and the planning department.

They said it was an excellent example of what could be achieved before unanimously approving the plans.