PLANS for a new primary school in Bicester have been approved by councillors.

Oxfordshire County Council’s planning committee last night approved designs for the 450-place school as part of the new Kingsmere Estate development.

Over the next few years, 1,500 homes are expected to be built south-west of Bicester, and the new school will provide places for children on the new estate.

It will also replace St Edburg’s School, which is expected to close on its current site in Cemetery Road in July next year and move to the new site under the stewardship of its headteacher Damian Booth.

At the meeting, architects were praised for the plans, which include a bell tower and open space at the front of the school.

It comes after Cherwell District Council objected to the plans because they conflict with the authority’s design policies. But county councillors said they liked the design, and granted approval for the plans.

Cabinet member for schools Melinda Tilley said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic, well done.”

Funding of £6.64m was allocated for the new build by the council in February, and if all the building work goes according to plan, the new school will open in September next year.