Plans to increase the capacity of a proposed new school building in Newtown so pupils from Ysgol Treowen can also be included could be given the go-ahead by Powys County Council's Cabinet next week.

The council's intention is that from September next year Ysgol Calon y Dderwen would be extended to include the current building Treowen C.P. School building.

Pupils currently attending Treowen C.P. School would continue to attend school in the existing Treowen building until the new building is ready.

When the new school building opens, the Treowen site would close, and all pupils would move to the new school building on the current Ysgol Calon y Dderwen site near Park Lane.

On Tuesday, July 9, the cabinet will receive and consider an objection report and will be asked to approve the proposal. The council said it received 38 objections.

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Dr Richard Jones, the council’s director of education said: “The council is committed to securing the best start in life for our young people and one of the ways we can achieve this is by transforming education.

“The council believes that this proposal meets the aims of the Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys as we look to improve the learner entitlement and experience while delivering 21st Century facilities that would provide environments where learners and teachers thrive and reach their potential.

“However, it is important that Cabinet hears the views of those who have objected to the proposal, and these will be carefully considered before any final decisions are made.”

Parents protested at plans to close Treowen Primary School. (Image: Anwen Parry/Powys County Times)

Councillor Joy Jones, who represents Treowen residents on the county council, told constituents: “Unless new evidence of why the school should not close has come forward - not previously what has been presented as that was rejected when the original vote was taken - then I'm afraid there'll be nothing for the cabinet to consider.

“This has been a very drawn-out and distressing process with the elections that have been called during the consultation. Hopefully as soon as the general election is over the decision will be made.

“This has been a very distressful and stressful time for both staff and parents who have fought hard to keep their school open for the community. But until the announcement, no decision has been finalised.

“There is a new education director, but he is on board with this consultation and the planned future that has been proposed for the school.”