‘THERE is no alternative.’

That’s the message councillors were given during discussions about a new primary school in Christchurch.

Plans for the much-needed facility have been drawn up by Dorset County Council for the land in Marsh Lane, Fairmile.

And despite concerns from residents and Christchurch MP, Chris Chope, members of Christchurch council’s planning committee raised no objection to the scheme.

It will now go to Dorset County Council’s regulatory committee for a final decision on February 18.

Residents of Marsh Lane have objected to the two-form entry school being built on Green Belt land, with concerns also raised about access and potential increase in traffic.

Many of the residents had previously opposed proposals for a housing development on the land.

The multi-million pound proposal is a response to the current school places crisis in Christchurch, with a temporary ‘school within a school’ operating at Twynham until a new facility is built.

At the meeting on Thursday night, members heard that none of the alternative sites investigated by officers were viable.

And portfolio holder for community, Cllr Bernie Davis, warned members, “there is no plan B as far as I am aware.”

“If planning is refused, over 120 children would be displaced and without a school”, he added.

Ward councillor, Colin Bungey, added: “My fear is that if this does not go ahead, we could find that with the reorganisation of the local government, it will never happen and we could finish up with children having to travel to Bournemouth and Poole.

“That is not acceptable.”

Prior to the vote, Cllr Lesley Dedman, member of the planning committee, said: “I would normally be very much against this because of the Green Belt.

“But I am willing to accept our own officers advice on this.

“However, I would like to see the traffic issue very closely monitored , as we know the situation in this area can be terrible.”

It is hoped the school may be ready by September 2017.