The Cabinet received a report from its Audit and Scrutiny Committee which urged the county council to press on without further delay in replacing the teaching block destroyed by fire five years ago, a project delayed first by the need to complete the school's £5.2 million creative arts block and then by the discovery of a unique tree on the site. The report asked the Cabinet to ensure that it will get the building completed as soon as possible, meeting education and environmental needs in this sensitive location, within the £10.9 million allocated for the project.

Dorset County Council Leader, Tim Palmer, said:

"Despite all the obstacles we have had to cope with, we are close to delivering what the people of Lytchett and Upton need and deserve. The money made available will go well beyond replacing the fire damaged buildings. The Cabinet will have a last look at the proposals in January, before submitting them to the Planning Committee for determination without delay, ready for building work to start later next year."

John Surowiec, Deputy Director of Children's Services who is now heading up the project, was also enthusiastic:

"We can now move forward. We have a set of plans which meet environmental requirements and satisfy all the Government's and our own generous guidelines for school buildings. They are achievable within the funds available and will ensure that the children and local community can enjoy excellent new buildings by the summer 2008. We had been worried that, faced with huge budget pressures that could leave some urgently needed premises not being provided, this project could have been reduced. I am grateful that the members of the Cabinet are determined to see this teaching block delivered for everyone at Lytchett Minster School."

The designs for the new building are still in draft form, so some changes may still occur. The governors have had copies of the new plans since mid-November and have until Christmas to suggest changes. Dorset County Council will also be asking for local views in the New Year as part of the pre-planning application consultations, so there will be plenty of opportunity for local people to have their say.