Plans to cap the number of children at a north-east school which is “bursting at the seams” have been backed by councillors.
A proposal to replace Turriff’s troubled Markethill Primary with a larger school have been on the table for several years, but little progress has been made.
As efforts to secure land for the new building continue, education bosses have recommended capping the roll at Markethill.
The proposed limit is 469 – almost 30 pupils more that current working capacity.
Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine area committee unanimously backed the plans yesterday.
The bid will now go back to the education committee for final approval.
Local councillor Sandy Duncan – who has repeatedly spoken out about the state of Markethill – said: “I’m supportive of the proposal. The buildings aren’t suitable for purpose.
“I admire teachers who work there, and with the reassurance of zoning I’m happy to support it.”
Councillor Duncan was referring to comments made by education officer Rachael Goldring, who said the preferences of parents whose children will be sent to alternative schools will be taken into account.
A free bus service will be offered to those pupils, as long as the alternative school is within the Turriff primary network.
Councillor Anne Robertson said: “I support the proposals. The school is absolutely bursting at the seams and with the difficulty of the staffing situation, we should do what we can.”
The new cap – which is expected to be approved by the education, learning and leisure committee – will come into effect from August this year.
Aberdeenshire Council is still in negotiations to buy a site, off Meadowbank Road, where it is hoped a replacement school will be built in time for the 2017 academic session.
However the land, to the north of the town, was bequeathed to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the charity says the local authority’s current offer is too low.