PLANNERS have approved a £900,000 classroom block at Monmouth Comprehensive School - ending fears there would not be enough space for all the pupils in September.

Building began this week after Monmouthshire county council's Planning committee deferred a decision at their December meeting because they were unhappy about the design.

Head Carol Anderson warned this could mean the school would not have enough space for the pupils starting in September.

But Councillor Dick Cass, also a governor at the school, told plannersr the amended design was far better and, with landscaping and trees, would be acceptable.

Councillor Ashley Thomas said: "I did not like the long bland wall, but that has been much improved. Last time members made the point that it was not as good a design as the sports hall and I disagreed."

Councillor Peter Clarke said: "This is a much improved drawing. Monmouth is an historic town and we wanted a building that inspired us, but this does not set the world alight, even though it's a great improvement."

Councillor Mike Smith declared his interest as the council's cabinet member for lifelong learning and commented on the plan but did not vote.

He warned: "We must do this differently next time and take more time about how buildings are going to look."

Planning officer George Ashworth said: "This is not Anne Hathaway's cottage - this is a big building and I'm happy with the amended design."

Mrs Anderson, site manager Jane Baker and the council's director of education, Phil Cooke watched the building work start.

Mrs Anderson said: "We are all relieved the building work for the classroom block has started."

Mr Cooke added: "Monmouth Comprehensive is a popular school and it is important we develop a building the pupils deserve."