PLANS to rebuild Bridport’s Mountjoy School in Beaminster have been submitted by Dorset County Council.

The county council wants to move the special school on to land next to Beaminster Technology College (BTC).

A national schools adjudicator gave his approval for the idea last year, and last month county council cabinet members agreed a budget of just under £9 million for the project.

If planning permission is granted, work could start next spring and a new Mountjoy could open in autumn 2012.

The aim is to serve 48 pupils with physical and learning disabilities, aged from two-and-a-half to 19.

BTC and Mountjoy would remain separate establishments, but the county council argues that Beaminster would benefit from improved sporting facilities, such as a new synthetic pitch, and alterations.

Changes would include new car parking facilities for Beaminster staff, which would be accessed from Tunnel Road, and should therefore reduce traffic along Fleet Street. An improved footpath would also link the schools with the town centre.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the scheme are available online at http://www.dorsetforyou.com/mountjoyschool

Full details of the application will be viewable later this week at http://www.dorsetforyou.com/planning

Search under the town name of Beaminster.

Editor’s Note: Based on a press release issued by Dorset County Council. I’ll update this piece when the planning application can be seen online.