A NEW £8.7 million special educational needs school is coming to Torfaen after plans were given the go-ahead.

Torfaen councillors approved the application from Torfaen Educational Service to build a new 70-pupil school in the grounds of Croesyceiliog Comprehensive.

This will be the second and third phase of a project to modernise and transform Crownbridge Special School which is now deemed unsuitable to meet the needs of the children.

Phase one was completed at Penygarn Primary School two years ago providing 16 places for Crownbridge pupils.

The new school will include 10 separate classrooms, each with an associated store room, quiet room and canopy covered external teaching space.

There will also be a hydrotherapy pool, a multi-purpose hall and staff facilities including staff rooms, offices and a parent interview room.

A life-skills apartment is also included in the plans for the school which will cater for three to 19-year -olds. The apartment will help older pupils with self-sufficiency skills.

Up to 77 members of staff are expected to be based at the school.

Councillors approved the plans at a planning meeting on Tuesday subject to a number of conditions including that samples of the proposed structure are submitted to the local planning authority and approved in writing.

Work is now expected to start on the new building within the next few months.

Executive member for children and young people, Cllr Mary Barnett said: “We are very, very pleased as we can now proceed with what we think are plans that really will help provide the children with the best provision as well as their parents and staff.”