LAND set aside for a burial ground looks set to become the site of a much-needed temporary primary school for Cambourne. At a special meeting held on Tuesday, October 21 Cambourne Parish Council gave the go-ahead for the proposed burial ground site to b

LAND set aside for a burial ground looks set to become the site of a much-needed temporary primary school for Cambourne.

At a special meeting held on Tuesday, October 21 Cambourne Parish Council gave the go-ahead for the proposed burial ground site to be used as a temporary school.

The meeting had been called to address the urgent need for extra primary school places as the settlement's other two school's are full.

John Vickery, clerk to Cambourne Parish Council told The Hunts Post, the decision had been a "positive step forward" in ensuring that all Cambourne primary age children are educated in the village from September 2009.

He added: "This is an excellent example of how Cambourne Parish Council can take the lead and working with Cambridgeshire County Council and McA Developments can achieve a positive result that benefits the community of Camborne."

It is hoped the temporary school will be up and running by September 2009 and remain in use for two years while the permanent school is built. Once a permanent school is ready - there are still ongoing issues about a location of where to build the school, the children would be transferred and the temporary building removed. The land, which has not been consecrated, would then be used as a burial ground.

The parish council will now work with Cambridgeshire County Council and Comberton Educational Trust to submit a planning application for the temporary school.

Cllr Clayton Hudson, Cambourne Parish chairman, said: "I am delighted that the parish council has been able to play a key role in getting additional primary aged schooling for Cambourne, the temporary school will provide a vibrant environment for the children of Cambourne to learn in".

Hazel Belchamber Head of Infrastructure Children and Young Peoples Services at Cambridgeshire County Council said: "This is a major step forward in the development of Cambourne achieved through partnership working."

The delay in providing a third primary school has left up to 40 children facing a 15-mile round trip to attend school in Hardwick.

Planning permission for the permanent primary school in Cambourne was rejected by South Cambridgeshire District Council because of its potential impact at Jeavons Wood, the county council's preferred location.