Two schools could share the same site if education plans in Heckmondwike are given the go-ahead.

Kirklees Council's education department has submitted an outline planning application for the building of a school to replace Fairfield Special School in Dale Lane next to Leeside Junior, Infant and Nursery School, off White Lee Road. It is hoped the two schools will be able to combine resources and that the siting of the school within the Leeside grounds would help develop links between the two.

Margaret Parker, assistant director of Kirklees Education Services said pupils at Fairfield School could transfer to the new building upon its completion with the minimum of disruption. "If this proposal gets the go-ahead, we will be very pleased," she said.

"We looked at developing or extending Fairfield School but decided against it and looked at an alternative arrangement.

"If the application goes without a hitch, we will look to start building work in 2004 and have it open for September 2005.

The new school will be bigger than the existing one and pupils will stay on at Fairfield until the new school is ready, so we do not disrupt their education."

The application will be discussed by the Heavy Woollen planning sub-committee tomorrow.