The go-ahead has been given to move and expand a special needs school to meet an "urgent demand" for places.

Breakspeare School is set to relocate from Abbots Langley to Croxley Green with the new site offering 210 places.

The school, which is due to be built at the former Durrants School playing field in Manor Way, is subject to planning permission.

Hertfordshire County Council says the existing site in Gallows Hill Lane is not large enough to increase capacity. Breakspeare School currently offers 97 places.

The move was given the green light by the council’s Cabinet on Monday. If a planning application, which is due to be determined by the county council, is granted, the new school is set to open in January 2024.

Watford Observer: The parcel of land in Croxley Green identified for the relocated school. Credit: Google MapsThe parcel of land in Croxley Green identified for the relocated school. Credit: Google Maps

Councillor Terry Douris, cabinet member for education, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “We are facing an increased demand for places for children aged two to 19 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

“This development will mean we can provide more places to more children and young people in a safe environment where they can thrive.

“SEND is a really important area for us and we are committed to continuing to invest in this area to ensure every child and young person receives the best education.”

During a public consultation, some concerns were raised about what impact the school could have on traffic in Croxley Green.

Meanwhile, people in Abbots Langley are worried about how the school site could be redeveloped.

Read more: Relocation of Breakspeare School set to go ahead despite objections

Elsewhere, the council has announced Garston Manor School in Horseshoe Lane has offered places to 13 extra children with learning difficulties.

A new block has been created featuring new classrooms, group rooms and toilets.

Watford Observer: The new building at Garston Manor School. Credit: Hertfordshire County CouncilThe new building at Garston Manor School. Credit: Hertfordshire County Council

The council has also agreed to consult on proposals to create nine primary specialist resource centres for youngsters with social communication difficulties, including autism, in addition to children with severe speech disorders and developmental language disorder.

There are currently speech, language, and communication needs bases attached to mainstream schools but the new centres aim to allows pupils to access a mainstream curriculum, balanced with a safe space to be in.