Go-ahead for £6m 'Legoland' school

Endike Primary School, in Hull, was given approval of the design of the controversial new 6m building, which will carry massive letters spelling out the school's name in white, mint green, beige and lavender on all sides. Outside will be a grass ampitheatre, a "learning path" as well as more traditional sports pitches.

Other quirky features in the new school, due to open in 2012, include a chute, allowing children to slide from one level to another, giant steps and "Waltzer"-style seating in the restaurant, which can be swivelled in different directions.

One of two councillors who voted against at a meeting of Hull Council's planning committee was Coun Alan Clark who called it "awful, monstrous, horrendous, terrible".

Coun Tom McVie opened by saying he "intensely disliked" the design, but voted for the proposals saying it was an "undoubtedly" appropriate use of the site and the internal teaching spaces were "stunning".

A spokeswoman for the 400m Building Schools for the Future programme in Hull, said: "It has been contentious but we are pleased it has stimulated debate about architecture and design.

"The children have been very heavily involved in the consultation. They are going to get the school they want."

Also approved were plans for the Northern Academy and Malet Lambert schools.