JOHNSTON is to get a new primary school after councillors were unanimous in approving the plans.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s proposal was considered by the authority's planning committee on Tuesday (February 24).

The application sought permission to build a new school on a 1.3 hectare site at Langford Road to replace the existing primary in the village.

The new school, approximately 1700 square metres, would include four junior classrooms, two infant classrooms, one reception class and an early years unit as well as a two-classroom ‘multiple needs unit’.

A technology room, library, kitchen, plant room and hall facility are also included in the plan, which is part of the council’s 21st Century Schools improvement programme.

Outside, there would be sports, outdoor learning, social and play areas, landscaping and car parking as well as a multi-use games area.

Councillor Brian Hall moved for approval, in line with the planning officer's recommendation.

In doing so, he said: “For the time I have been involved in this council there has never been a councillor who has moved to approve two new schools in the same planning meeting. That’s my claim to fame.”

Councillor Rob Lewis said: “Many communities in this county have benefited from new primary schools and this area has been in desperate need for an investment such as this.

“The current building is in poor order and I know this proposal has been considered for a number of years.

“This is an exceptionally good site and as we can see there are no objections from anyone.

"I look forward to progress."