PLANS to rebuild a run-down Poole school look set to be shelved indefinitely as the council diverts £8 million to create new school places.

Hillbourne School at Waterloo was due for an almost £7.8 million transformation with government funding originally allocated in the Primary Capital Programme in June 2008.

But thanks to a rising birth rate – up 20 per cent from 2001 to 2008 – and particularly sharp increases in some areas, the council needs the cash to expand eight other schools to provide new places for 150 children by September next year.

The Hillbourne rebuild, the planning of which has already cost more than £100,000, would have finally housed all the pupils under one roof.

They have been schooled in two neighbouring buildings on Kitchener Crescent since the first and middle schools amalgamated in 2006.

Borough of Poole strategic director Andrew Flockhart insisted it was still a priority which would move forward “when funding becomes available”.

But he admitted there was “no guarantee” the government would come up with the money in future funding rounds.

The reallocation of the cash, which the government is allowing, also means plans to expand provision at Longspee Special School go on hold. Anne Newton, strategic director for children services, said: “We need to ensure there are enough school places in those local communities where they are most needed.

“We are extremely disappointed that we cannot proceed with out original plans for Hillbourne and Longspee at this stage.”

Sylvan First, Longfleet Combined, St Aldhelm’s Combined and Talbot Combined schools will need more spaces from September next year, Baden-Powell School by 2012 and Branksome Heath Middle and Heatherlands First schools will need to expand by 2013.

Additional classroom places are also being provided at Lilliput First School.

Hillbourne’s head teacher and chairman of governors were informed on Thursday.

The plans come before the full council on April 6.