PROPOSALS for a new primary school for the children of Halwill appear to have moved a step closer after a new design has allayed some of the preservation concerns raised by English Heritage.

Plans to move Halwill Primary to a new purpose-built school at Halwill Junction, replacing the existing small Victorian schoolhouse, were barred earlier this year, following objections from English Heritage.

The proposal ran into problems because English Heritage felt the site was too close to the Grade 2 listed Winsford Centre at Halwill Junction. However, following a meeting between English Heritage, Devon County Council and the school?s governing body, changes in the design have been agreed.

The site of the school has been moved slightly in the new design, and a further meeting will be held between the school?s governors and English Heritage to iron out a number of remaining concerns.

Subject to all the objections being addressed, it is hoped a public consultation exercise can be undertaken at the school in early September, and a fully-revised planning application submitted in October.

West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett said he was ?delighted? to hear English Heritage was likely to withdraw itd objections. Mr Burnett said he had been working with the governors and staff for many years to help promote the need for a new school for Halwill.

?At long last, we appear to be there. This is a tribute to all the hard work that has been done by Devon County Council and the governors and the staff of the school,? he said.

Conservative prospective candidate for and West Devon and Torridge Geoffrey Cox had also lent his support to the campaign for a new school, saying there was a ?compelling case? for a modern school building.

The existing school was built in 1849, and is in a deteriorating state of repair. Campaigners say the growing population of the village means there is an urgent need for expanded facilities to meet the needs of teaching in the 21st century.

The last three Ofsted reports about the primary have highlighted the grossly inadequate nature of the 150-year-old school.