A PROPOSED land sale will bring plans for a new primary school for Middlesbrough a step closer.

Plans for the new Discovery Special Academy were first unveiled last year as part of a drive to increase special educational needs provision.

The plans for a school, at the site of the former Nature’s World centre, were first discussed in 2013.

The former Ladgate Lane visitor centre – opened in the early 1990s by famous botanist David Bellamy – went into administration at the end of 2012 following a fall in visitor numbers and funding cuts.

The sale of land at Sandy Flatts Lane will be considered at a meeting of Middlesbrough Council’s executive sub-committee for property on Wednesday next week.

Once opened, the free school will cater for up to 84 pupils aged four to 11 with complex and significant learning, communication, physical and medical needs.

Middlesbrough Council has a statutory duty to ensure that there are sufficient special needs school places to meet demand, but no longer has the power to establish new school provision.

As a result, the school will be operated by Tees Valley Education Trust (TVEd), following its successful application to the Government’s Free School Programme.

In a statement, Middlesbrough Council said the sale of the 1.8 hectare site will generate a capital receipt of nearly £728,000 which will be reinvested into the council’s capital programme.

In June last year it was reported that the development would represent investment of more than £3m and is expected to create jobs both during its construction and operation.

The new school opened in temporary accommodation on the sites of Brambles and Pennyman primary schools in September, with the new site expected to open in September, 2021.

Cllr Jan Brunton Dobson, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for education and skills, will present the latest proposal to a meeting of the executive sub-committee for property next Wednesday.

She said: “The proposed school will help to reduce the need for out-of-area placements with associated transport costs, or placements in local mainstream schools that incur expensive support costs.

“It will also ensure that those with complex learning and developmental needs will receive the education, learning experiences and qualifications they need.

“Access to the right therapies, equipment, trained staff and resources will help pupils to get the best start in life.”

The report will be considered by the council on Wednesday, January 23.