Clacton's new secondary school is back on track.

Schools adjudicator Sir Peter Newsam has backed Essex County Council's proposal for a community school and given the all-clear to proceed.

The county council wants to have a new temporary site ready for occupation by next September while it builds a permanent premises by 2005.

After a consultation exercise it came up with a foundation school for around 1,000 youngsters aged between 11 and 16 - but the move was opposed by the Diocese of Chelmsford.

It claimed the consultation process had been flawed and pressed for a Church of England School to be built in the town.

Due to the objection the schools adjudicator was called in to make a decision.

Now Sir Peter Newsam has announced he has approved the county council's proposal for a foundation school.

Graham Ranby, planning and admissions manager for Essex County Council, said he was pleased with the speed of the decision from the adjudicator.

"It will enable us to press ahead with making arrangements for both the temporary and permanent school for pupils in Clacton," he added.

The decision follows a move by Tendring councillors to withdraw objections to the site put forward in Jaywick Lane.

The plans will now be discussed at County Hall and will have to go to the Secretary of State for the Enviroment to decide whether there should be a public inquiry as the scheme is in conflict with the local plan.

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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