Pickles to decide on school proposals in Swinton

Salford City Council has approved the outline planning application for St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Swinton.

The council said due to the plans for the new school being in a green belt area, a final decision will now be made by Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. His decision is expected in early April.

The current school on Shaftesbury Road would be rebuilt on a site in Wardley and replaced by a new 750-place school. Plans also include a new 250-place sixth form facility for those aged over 16.

The project is being funded by Salford's Building Schools for the Future programme, introduced by the previous government, and includes an all-weather pitch, sports hall, drama studio, outdoor sports pitches and other facilities which can be used by the community, within the proposals.

Cllr John Merry, leader of Salford City Council, said: "This is a another step in the right direction for our high school plans and we hope the Secretary of State will now consider the benefits of this new high school and how important it is for the future of education in the city.

The school is set to open in September 2013.