PLANS to build a new multi-million learning campus on the site of the current Pembroke School have been unanimously approved.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s application came before members of the planning committee on Tuesday (February 24) with a recommendation for conditional approval.

It sought full planning permission to demolish the existing Pembroke School and replace it with a new secondary school and vocational centre.

The £42.4 million proposal includes the re-modelling of existing science block buildings, modified access and parking, landscaping, new recreation areas and a new full size floodlit 3G pitch.

The existing school buildings date from the mid 1950s with additions in the 60s and 70s. They are said to offer “a poor quality learning environment with dispersed facilities and classrooms that fall short of meeting current curriculum space requirements.”

Speaking on Tuesday, Councillor Arwyn Williams said: “This is one of the most exciting things that has happened to Pembrokeshire.

“This project has been ongoing for the last five or six years and I think every officer in this authority has had some sort of input.

“I’m very proud to second Cllr Hall’s motion to approve it. It’s going to benefit Pembroke and Pembrokeshire.”

Work is due to start on site in this summer with phase one, the new school and vocational centre, being completed by September, 2017. Phase two would be the demolition of the old school and the construction of new sports pitches due for completion by July, 2018.