A school in Frampton Cotterell can now be brought together from two sites after plans for building were recommended for approval.

Watermore Primary School has been based on two separate buildings since its forming in 2011, however these plans will now help to create 420 new spaces at the school from 2019.

The £6.68 million redevelopment and building was due to move forward early last month, however an application, to Historic England from Frampton Parish Council, for one of the sites to be listed threatened to halt the process.

Historic England rejected the application, meaning that the plans could move forward. They have now been given the green light due to the approval given at last weeks meeting.

Leader of South Gloucestershire Council Toby Savage was highly critical of the Parish Council for the manner of the application.

"This project will be a huge investment into education for the area, providing a fantastic 420 primary school places for families in the Frampton Cotterell community," he said.

"I am relieved the attempt to undermine Watermore Primary School’s evolution has failed, I want to thank Historic England for their fair and unbiased decision on this unnecessary application and look forward to working with Watermore School, parents and governors in progressing plans for their new home."

The building on the old site on Woodend Road is due to be converted into six flats as part of the new plans, creating up to 16 homes. It is currently locally listed.

Frampton Parish Councillor Dave Hockey is also the areas South Glos Councillor, and he said the application was made to protect the future of the area, not to undermine the school or SGC.

"We must aim to preserve the best of our heritage for our existing and new residents to enjoy," he said.

"Generations of local children have been educated in the school which is much loved by local residents.

"With tens of thousands of new houses being built across South Gloucestershire, the Members of Frampton Cotterell Parish Council gave unanimous backing to the proposal to request that the old school should be considered for national listing to ensure its survival.

MP Luke Hall, Cllr Marian Gilpin, Frampton Cotterell campaigner Tom Howell, SGC Leader Toby Savage.

The old school site was opened a church to provide education in the area, way back in 1846.

Planning officers recommended approval of the application, stating: "There is an increased demand for primary school places locally.

"The proposed school will provide the necessary additional classroom spaces, and will allow the flexibility to expand all year groups to 60 pupils, as required in the future."

The officers did reference the fact that areas will be 'lost', but mentioned that the remaining playing fields and the two new multi-use games areas at the new and improved site would be made available to local groups.

MP, for Thornbury and Yate, Luke Hall was heavily involved in the process for the potential redevelopment of the school. He secured over £2 million from the Government Release Fund for the building process to be sped up.

Mr Hall had said that he was very excited for the development to start, stating: "These are very exciting plans for everyone associated with Watermore Primary.

"With more school places and new and improved facilities, I know this will be hugely been beneficial for our community and future generations.

"I am delighted to have been able to help secure the extra funding needed to ensure these improvements are delivered at the nearest opportunity."