PLANS for a new £2.5 million primary school in Malmesbury are at an advanced stage, according to county councillor John Thomson.

The design for the school was unveiled to parents last week and a planning application for the new building at Tetbury Hill is expected to be submitted to North Wiltshire District Council next month.

It is believed the design is for a two- storey building in a curved spiral formation.

A Wiltshire County Council spokesman said it was unable to officially unveil the plans just yet as planning officers may have modify them.

Persimmon Homes had wanted to build the new school but a private architect has been hired and building work is scheduled to start next January.

However, the developer hopes to build 25 to 30 homes on the land in front of the present school.

Governors at Malmesbury Primary School backed a proposal last month by Persimmon to buy land at the school at a fixed price rather than on the competitive market.

The governors supported the developer's plan because they believe the scheme would provide safer access for motorists and pedestrians during the construction period.

Part of the proposals include widening the junction at Tetbury Hill to three lanes, which governors feel would improve access to the school.

Coun Thomson said: "The school seems happy with the plans and the design work is at an advanced stage. The school is run by the governors and headmaster and we can only build a new school if they are happy. The buildings are owned by the church and we will give the new school building back to the church."

He said two new footpaths would be built to allow increased access to the school.

He said one would run from the bottom of Tetbury Lane and another would lead from Park Road and go around the back of Somerfield supermarket to link up with the school.