Plans to close Bicester's oldest primary school and reopen it on the edge of town have taken a step forward.

Parents and townsfolk will be consulted on proposals to move the 170-pupil St Edburg's Primary School from its Victorian buildings in Cemetery Road to a new purpose-built site to the south-west of the town.

The move is also likely to spark a shake-up of primary school catchment areas across the town.

Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet backed the consultation, which was prompted by the newly-approved 1,585-home south west development, on Tuesday.

In a written report, Janet Tomlinson, the county's director for children, young people and families, said: "There are a number of advantages to proceeding with this proposal - St Edburg's site is substandard in terms of size, access is difficult and there are a number of issues regarding the suitability and condition of the existing buildings."

The plan would mean no increase in the total number of primary schools in Bicester, but overall capacity would rise.

Brookside, King's Meadow and Longfields primary schools would also be affected and possibly expanded as a result.

Ms Tomlinson said it was likely St Edburg's current catchment east of Queens Avenue would become part of Longfields. West of Queens Avenue would be divided between Brookside and King's Meadow.

She added: "Although the pupils currently attending St Edburg's and probably future siblings will be able to attend the new school, in the longer term there are historically around 100 pupils who attend St Edburg's as their catchment school and who would need to be accommodated elsewhere.

"Pupils who will be living in the new housing before the new buildings are open can be directed to St Edburg's and they will have continuity of education."

Headteacher Damian Booth said: "We think it's a fantastic opportunity for the school."

Parents gave a mixed reaction to the idea.

One mum said at the school gates yesterday: "I like it because it's such a nice little old school."

But another said: "I don't think it will make any difference."

Construction of the school, which will have at least 14 classes, is unlikely to start before 2009.

Informal consultations will be held at St Edburg's School on Tuesday, between 3pm and 4pm and on Monday, October 1, between 12pm and 3pm and 5pm and 7pm.

A public meeting will then be held at the school on Monday, October 8, at 7pm.