A BIRSTALL primary school is to be demolished for a modern replacement, with Kirklees Council giving plans the go-ahead.

St Peter’s School at Field Head Lane was selected by the Department of Education for its school rebuilding programme.

The scheme prioritises institutions by their condition, with this school said to be in need of modernisation at the meeting of the council’s Strategic Planning Committee.

The current school building that dates back to the 1960s will be demolished and replaced by a brand new two-storey building made from buff brick with a flat green roof.

In order to avoid disrupting the education of current pupils, the current school is to remain open during construction and the new school built on a different part of the same site.

Nick Willock, the agent and planning consultant for the applicant – The Church of England – said: “The proposals would result in a high-quality design building with accessible and inclusive indoor spaces and high specification outdoor sports and recreational spaces all to support children’s learning, health and wellbeing.”

He added: “This modern and high-quality new school would provide local children with a significantly improved learning environment which ultimately aims to improve pupil’s future opportunities and career prospects.”

Work is expected to start in the autumn.