THE redevelopment of QE School at Pamphill, near Wimborne, has been given planning approval.

Dorset County Councillors on Friday also approved a scheme for a Sustainability Resource Centre within the grounds.

The new school building will accommodate 1,500 pupils and provide a new sports pitch. The new classrooms will be built on the existing pitch.

The two items have been deferred from the last county council meeting on May 18 for a site visit.

Residents of The Broads, the school's nearest neighbours, again turned out to voice their concern. They said moving the school and leisure centre access road to their junction would cause safety issues and problems for them getting in and out. The plan would also bring vehicle noise and fumes to their doors and proposed lighting would be intrusive.

Resident Lola Honeyman, John Dowling and Martin Miller, representing the owners of Stone Park, a Grade II listed building, individually stressed their concerns.

Speaking on behalf of residents, Cllr Marilyn Osner said moving the access to The Broads was creating a "spaghetti junction".

Speaking for the applicants, Colin Pielou said they had carried out 73 separate consultations: "The proposal put forward by The Broads residents is not feasible."

He said the proposal included routing the bridleway access across National Trust land which the school does not own.

Head teacher Andy Puttock stressed the need for the new school: "The current school is not suitable for the 21st century. The new school has been designed to be of benefit for the entire community, not just QE."

Mr Puttock said teachers currently had to stop traffic on the main road at the end of the school day for access. The new plan would remove this need.

As part of the junction improvements, traffic lights and a cross hatch box will be installed to assist traffic and nearby residents. Lighting will be designed and controlled to minimise light intrusion. The new Sustainability Resource Centre will be used as temporary accommodation for drama, arts and music while the new school is built.

The hall will then be converted to provide a teenage life centre and hall with changing rooms and a cafe. This was also unanimously backed by councillors.