PLANS for a new first school in Wimborne have taken a step forward following approval from planners.

Proposals submitted by Dorset County Council to build the 15 classroom school at land adjacent to Burts Hill have been given the green light by the authority's regulatory committee.

The scheme, which also includes a school hall, meetings rooms, large playing field, games courts and soft play area, follows a proposed development for a new neighbourhood at Cranborne Road to the north of Wimborne.

Dorset County Council plan to deliver the new school to replace the existing educational establishment on School Lane, which is around 850 metres from the proposed site.

As part of the neighbourhood plans from Bloor Homes it was stated the first school would provide 450 places.

Wimborne Minster Town Council said they welcomed the construction of the new school as part of the Cranborne Road development, but did raise concerns over car parking and road safety.

Michael Tomlinson MP also highlighted similar fears following discussions with residents.

There is no provision for parent parking within the school grounds to drop-off and/or pick-up children.

However, the report to Dorset County Council's regulatory committee says the 29 proposed onsite parking spaces are adequate for the approximate 43 members of staff at the school.

On the lack of provision for parents the report adds this is fitting with wider national objective to encourage sustainable travel to school and consistent with the approach taken on new schools across Dorset.

A statement submitted by Dorset Council says: "The proposals for the Wimborne First School are to build a new school fit for 21st century teaching and learning, with a light, air environment which is fully accessible to pupils, staff, parents visitors and other users.

"The Wimborne First School students will either walk, arrive by minibus or by family car and these vehicles will drop the students off within the area of new housing around the school site."