A PROPOSED complex to replace a split-site primary school and remove surplus places is expected to be approved next week.

The plan includes primary, nursery and Sure Start provision to serve the north-east area of Peterlee.

A five-and-a-half acre site, off Eden Lane, has been earmarked for Eden Community Primary School. It would replace the existing school which is on two sites either side of Robson Road, Peterlee.

The development would accommodate 390 infant and junior pupils, with a 39-place nursery and 50 places in the Sure Start Children's Centre.

It would also include car parking and play areas.

Durham County Council, the education authority, is applying for approval to its planning committee, as the existing school building is considered to be nearing the end of its useful life.

Rod Lugg, the council's head of environment and planning, said: "There are significant surplus place issues within the infant and junior sections of the school, and the buildings would be difficult to adapt and modernise to meet future teaching and community learning requirements.

"It is, therefore, proposed to rationalise and consolidate education provision by constructing a building on the former Eden Lane County Junior School site."

Those premises, 400 metres east of the existing school, were demolished in 1979 and have remained undeveloped since.

Mr Lugg said that subject to necessary approvals, work on the new school would begin in June, to be completed by July next year.

The existing school would be demolished following the relocation and the land made available for private developments.

Vehicle and pedestrian access would be from separate points in Eden Lane, with a 3,175sq metre single-storey building, plus hard and soft play areas to include multi-use games area, a grass football pitch and 45 car parking spaces.

The only feedback to the proposals relates to concerns over traffic levels around the school, but Mr Lugg said a school travel plan would be drawn up, with agreement in principle for the use of a nearby social club car park by parents picking up children.

The council's planning committee is recommended to approve the development at its meeting on Wednesday