GOVERNORS spoke yesterday of their delight after planning permission was granted for a village primary school.

North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee voted seven to two in favour of outline permission for the school in Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk.

The school will be built on agricultural land at Low Lane.

The existing school occupies a cramped site next to the village hall, just off the busy A170.

There is only one classroom and the village hall is rented to provide extra space.

Despite the conditions, the school has been awarded beacon status.

Yesterday's planning committee meeting, at County Hall, Northallerton, heard objections from a number of residents, who feel the access road to the new site is too narrow and would not be safe for youngsters walking to school.

The parish council supports the scheme in principle, but also voiced safety fears.

Chairman of the governors Alec Hornsby said a move to the new site was the only way to guarantee the future of the school.

"We believe this is an excellent site for school facilities and presents the last opportunity to keep a school in Sutton," he said.

"Pupils and staff deserve this ideal opportunity to be given the standard of accommodation they deserve."

Committee members, who went to the school for a site visit last month, spoke of their shock at the conditions.

Councillor Robert Heseltine said: "The existing school buildings are truly Dickensian. I have been a member of this education authority for nearly 30 years and I was rather ashamed that North Yorkshire pupils were still being taught in these conditions."

Councillors stipulated that the application for full planning permission should be brought back to the committee and not dealt with through delegated powers, before granting approval.

After the meeting, Michael Scatchard, vice-chairman of the governors, said they were delighted with the outcome.

"It will mean an education in a building which suits the needs of the children, away from the constant motor vehicles and fumes. It will be like a utopia."

Councillor Caroline Artingstoll, vice-chairwoman of the parish council, said: "We were pleased to note that they felt the full application should come back to the committee to answer all the safety issues. Safety is our prime concern."