PLANS to build five new border primary schools have moved a step closer after planning permission was granted for one of the sites in Clyro.

The new school is part of a £24 million investment into education in the Gwernyfed catchment area and will see five new primary schools built.

An application for a new primary school in Clyro was granted by Powys County Council last week.

Plans to demolish existing primary schools in Hay-on-Wye and Llangorse and build two new primary schools, along with a new school at Talgarth, will be considered by the Brecon Beacons National Park later this autumn.

Plans for a new school in Llyswen will be also be considered by the council’s planning committee in the coming weeks.

The council is still working towards submitting the full business case to the Welsh Government in November 2016 and, if approved, work on the new schools could start next year.

Cllr Arwel Jones, cabinet member for education, said: “Receiving planning permission for a new school in Clyro is another step forward in our exciting plans for education in the Gwerynfed area. It is also a clear indication that our project is moving in the right direction and that new schools will soon become a reality. The plans are a result of a detailed review of the area.”