Deal over land sets new school on track

The breakthrough came after North Yorkshire County Council exchanged contracts with the landowner for the site located between the two villages.

The site of just over one hectare, is between Burnside Nursery and Cample Hatcheries on Low Bentham Road.

The present school in High Bentham is on a slope, has a prefabricated hall, restricted access and a shortage of classroom, office and storage space.

The search for a site which has been going on for several years has been protracted due to the challenge of finding a location of suitable size, reasonably flat and accessible to both communities.

The county council's property consultants, Jacobs, are preparing a design for the new primary school, working with the school and the council.

The new school will be environmentally efficient, accessible for those with disabilities, and provide facilities for use by the local community.

County Coun David Ireton, who represents North Craven said he is "very very pleased" to reach the stage "where we can move forward to planning for the new school". "This will be a very big improvement for children, for teaching staff and parents and they fully deserve it."

North Yorkshire executive member for schools Jim Clark said: "I am delighted that we have come to an agreement with the landowner... conditional on planning permission being obtained. The architect is designing a building which will aim to blend in with the surrounding landscape and reflect the history of the area.''

A planning application will be submitted in the autumn. The new school could be completed for summer 2012.