A NEW school is to be built on the Northgate site in Bridgwater after the green light was given by Sedgemoor District Council

The building of the primary school is hoped to be open by September 2017.

The authority met to discuss plans for the former Sedgemoor Splash site.

Tesco were said to be building a store there, but pulled out last year leaving the site open.

At a meeting today, the district council approved plans for a school and gave outline planning permission for a hotel and public house or food store. 

It follows on from Somerset County Council’s cabinet last week approving the appointment of building contractor Keir to complete the build of the new school (subject to planning permission approval). 

The school on the Northgate site is said to be much needed in the town, and will provide a 14 class primary school, nursery and an artificial playing pitch, which may be available for use by the community.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for Children and Families, said: “Demand for school places has increased by 20 per cent in Bridgwater in the last four years which is why the development of a new school at the Northgate site is so important.

"I am excited to see the new school take shape and I look forward to it opening to school children in September 2017.”

The Northgate site is jointly owned by Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council who have been working together to plan the development of the site.

Cllr Harvey Siggs, cabinet member for Resources at Somerset County Council, said: “It is great that the development is moving forward and construction on the school can start soon.

"We are working closely with Sedgemoor District Council to progress plans for the rest of the Northgate site which will include retail, residential, leisure and green space.”

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council, said: “The school is the first part of the re-development of the Northgate site.

"The next steps for the remainder of the site are progressing well.”

Demolition of the current buildings on site is almost complete and work will start on the construction of the school in September 2016.

The historic Blake Hospital/Workhouse buildings will be commemorated within the new school.

Somerset County Council has been working with the Bridgwater Civic Society over the last few months to agree a memorial and explanation boards that refer to the historic use of the land.

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