ORFORD will get a new high school after plans to spend £10.7million on replacing Beamont Collegiate Academy were approved by Warrington Borough Council.
The new school was approved by the council's planning committee on Thursday, following calls a new school in the area was 'urgently needed'.
Clr Mike Hannon (Orford - LAB) spoke in favour of the application.
He said the existing academy on Long Lane will 'not be fit for purpose' if it is not replaced.
Cash has been awarded by the Education Funding Agency for the project.
It will see a two storey school with parking and sports facilities created.
The application was turned down in August over concerns the new school would be too close to neighbouring properties.
It would cause 'unacceptable harm', the committee then decided.
On Thursday, residents again objected to the application on the basis new buildings will still be too close to homes.
New plans indicate the distance between houses and the school has been increased only by 1.5m.
Neighbour James Dickinson said the revised planning application was 'more or less identical' to its predecessor.
He added proposed music rooms would cause a nuisance to homeowners.
Kyle Harvey, from Wates Construction, the company contracted for the development, said further refusal would result in funding being lost.
He added 'all options had been re-evaluated', and that additions had been afforded for residents.
They include a canopy over the play area, windows that cannot be opened in the music rooms, and the relocation of the bin store.
Andy Farrall, executive director for environment and regeneration at Warrington Borough Council, told the meeting Beamont Collegiate Academy is in need of 'urgent replacement'.
It is one of 261 schools earmarked nationally as a priority for development.
Mr Farrall said the new design had to remain relatively close to homes so the old site can stay open for children while work takes place.
He added: "I'm satisfied in planning terms this is the best location for the school.
"There's nothing worse than closing a school and trying to replace the school in temporary facilities, because it disrupts education."
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