PLANS for Christchurch's newest primary school will go before councillors next week.

The controversial scheme will be decided by Christchurch Borough Council's planning committee on Thursday, February 4, a spokesperson for Dorset County Council said.

The scheme for the two form entry primary school in Marsh Lane has provoked comments from both supporters and objectors.

Christchurch MP Chris Chope has also got involved the argument, asking the secretary of state for communities and local government, MP Greg Clark, to call in the application.

He and many of the objectors take issue with the much-needed primary school being built on Green Belt land.

The site was confirmed as Green Belt during the latest Core Strategy consultation, following a fight by residents to prevent it being earmarked for housing.

But those in support of the new school say there is no alternative site, with other options investigated and dismissed by Dorset County Council officers as unsuitable.

The multi-million pound proposal is a response to the current school places crisis in Christchurch.

Temporary classrooms have been transferred from Christchurch Infant School to Twynham School's site, until a new facility is built.

Dozens of comments of support and objections have been received in response to the application.

While many people accept that a new school is needed, concerns were raised over the additional traffic caused by the development, with some calling the plans "madness".

But parents and residents in support of the scheme say a new school is a necessity.

One commented: "A new school absolutely has to be built and soon.

"I believe every effort has been made to ascertain the best location for this much needed project.

"The chance for many people, who will be able to walk their kids to school may ultimately balance out any concern over the roads getting busier."

A recommendation will be made by officers over whether to approve or refuse the application, a week before the meeting.