PLANS for a new special school next to Longley School in Huddersfield are expected to be given the go-ahead tomorrow.

The proposals are recommended for approval by planning officers.

Councillors are due to visit the site off Dog Kennel Bank and Smithy Lane tomorrow morning, before discussing the plans.

The two-storey school will cater for 156 pupils. There will also be outdoor play areas and parking for 40 cars.

The redevelopment of the site is part of a wider reorganisation of special schools in Kirklees. Work is due to start in July.

Outline planning permission was granted last November, but the new application has involved moving the school away from trees on the site to fit in with Department for Education and Science natural daylight requirements.

The report to be presented to councillors says Kirklees Education Service considered the move to be the best solution to create a school `fit for 21st century curriculum demands'.

They said this was the only solution if the school was to remain on this site in central Kirklees and to minimise disruption for the pupils.

The children will then transfer into the new school from their current school.

The report says the feasibility of using or incorporating the existing Victorian building and its land at the top end of the site was not considered an economical or educationally viable option.

A number of trees will have to be removed, but the education authority will consult residents who are affected by the work to try and ensure any concerns and suggestions they may have are incorporated into the solution.

There is also concern that the original school building is not lost and that a suitable alternative use for it is found.

* Councillors are also likely tomorrow to give their final approval for a new special school at Newsome.

It will be built in the grounds of the Newsome High School and Sports College, with access off Newsome Road South.