A SCHOOL has secured permission to build a new three-storey building despite objection from town councillors.

Abingdon School can now persevere with plans to replace a temporary building on its campus with a three-storey structure housing a 'lodge', social areas and classrooms for computer science and economics teaching.

The independent boys' school, which teaches about 970 pupils aged 13-18, gained approval from Vale of White Horse District Council on Thursday night.

Its new project has been designed as an extension of the school's Yang Science Centre, to replace a single-storey modular building next to the science block.

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The council's planning committee agreed the proposal despite concerns raised by Abingdon Town Council.

In a written objection to the application, the town council described the plans as 'unattractive' and said it was concerned the school had embarked on 'piecemeal' development in the past few years.

It added: "The council is extremely concerned regarding the existing parking problems in the vicinity of the school, which are related to the lack of provision made for parking.

"Further development would exacerbate the problem."

Councillors passed the plans despite the objection, having been advised to do so by council officers.

Officers' analysis of the application, circulated to councillors ahead of the meeting, stated: "The colonnade element at ground floor level provides an attractive entrance to the school when viewed from Faringdon Road.

"The proposed development will provide improved teaching facilities for the well established school."