TEMPORARY buildings will house the UK’s first state-funded Steiner academy for the next two and a half years.

Permission to put up four double classroom units on the existing Waldorf School premises in Much Dewchurch, along with kitchen and bathroom facilities, was granted by Herefordshire councillors last week.

But councillors imposed a condition that the buildings be removed within 30 months.

Councillor Jo Fishley, the local member and a governor for the school, told members of the southern area planning subcommittee: “There still remains a hardcore of objectors in the village, who have raised a multitude of objections to this proposal.

“These have all been addressed by the planning officer.

“There is an obvious need for temporary classrooms to continue the education of pupils.”

Much Dewchurch Parish Council raised concerns over the siting of the development and buildings being visible from the church and churchyard.

Officers received 34 letters of objection regarding the plans, with concerns including car parking provision, existing temporary buildings on the site and detraction from the setting of the village and its Grade I-listed church. They also received six letters of support.

Herefordshire Council’s traffic manager raised no objection and encouraged further discussion regarding the school’s attempts to reduce traffic problems in the area.