ARTIST impressions of what a new school situated in the heart of Redditch will look like have been unveiled.

Plans to rebuild Holyoakes Field First School on greenbelt land have been given the go ahead by Worcestershire County Council in September.

At the planning meeting, members agreed to rebuild the school in Brockhill East, near Lowans Hill Farm, subject to subject to a number of conditions and referral to the Secretary of State.

School bosses want to replace the existing building in Bridge Street and construct a new 1,990 square metre two-form entry first school with classrooms for reception to Year 4 pupils and a nursery.

Plans also include an access road, hard play area, grass pitches, woodland site and parking.

Under the proposal, Holyoakes Field First School would be rebuilt just under a mile away creating space for its expansion which would provide additional capacity for more than 300 pupils.

Officers said the proposals include sustainable drainage schemes to control surface water, helping to prevent local flooding.

Councillors said that the development would not cause any unacceptable overbearing, overshadowing or overlooking implications that detract from residential amenity due its design, size and location.

Councillor Robert Lunn (Labour) said that the relocation of the school was vital for its future success and that the proposal would also provide much needed social facilities.

He accepted that there would be parking issues at the start and close of the school day and urged that consideration be given to the provision of yellow lines along Cookridge Close.

As the new school is to be built on the green belt and exceeds 1,000 square metres, final approval is needed from Sajid Javid, secretary of state for local government.

The MP is able to intervene up to six months after a decision is made by the council, which in this instance would be March next year.

Councillor Rob Adams, chair of the planning and regulatory committee, said: "We are pleased to approve these applications, subject to a number of conditions as set out in the agenda papers. The Committee is satisfied that these are sustainable developments and show great consideration for minimising any impact on the local environment. The sustainable drainage and Sedum roofs are particularly encouraging, as these greatly reduce the risk of localised flooding issues that arise from new developments."

More information can be found at:worcestershire.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=1211&x=1&.