Cambourne Parish Council decided to approve plans for a much needed primary school on the land during a special meeting at the town's Hub Community Centre on Tuesday, October 21.

The school - which will be Cambourne's third - is set to open by September 2009, and its construction will push forward plans for another permanent primary school in the town.

A spokesman for Cambourne Parish Council said: "This is a positive step forward in ensuring that all Cambourne primary age children are educated in the village, meeting the commitment given by Cambridgeshire County Council.

"In granting the use of the burial ground as the site of the temporary primary school, the parish council will actively work with all parties to ensure that the permanent third primary school is constructed in Cambourne within the next two years."

The burial land is located in the north-east of Great Cambourne near to the cricket ground. It has not yet been consecrated but, after the school has moved to a permanent location in the town, the land will then be used as a burial ground.

Cllr Clayton Hudson, chairman of Cambourne Parish Chairman, welcomed the council's decision. He 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."
It is hoped that, as well as offering places to Cambourne children who currently have to attend a school in Hardwick, the temporary facility will also provide space for 50 reception aged children who will be ready to start next September.

The parish council spokesman confirmed that a planning application will be submitted by the county council and Comberton Educational Trust in the next few weeks, outlining the proposed layout of the school.