A £28 MILLION plan to build a new secondary school in Brecon - and fund improvements at Gwernyfed High School - has cleared its first hurdle.

Powys council announced its plans to invest in secondary education have been approved by the Welsh Government. The decision means the council can now start drawing up a full business case for its proposals. The council described the decision as a "major boost".

The Welsh Government approved an outline business case for the construction of a new 11-to-18 school in Brecon, to replace the current Brecon High School building, along with investment in the Gwernyfed Campus at Three Cocks.

The funding bid has been submitted to the Welsh Government’s 21 Century Schools programme. The government could provide half of the £28m investment with the rest funded by Powys council.

The council’s cabinet member for education, Councillor Arwel Jones said: "This is excellent news for the county council and means that we can move to the design and build stage for the new campus in Brecon. We will be working in close partnership with the school as the project moves to an important stage."

Last month the council abandoned controversial proposals to close both schools and eventually build a replacement at the Brecon High site.

Cllr Jones said: "It has been recognised for some time the need to improve the secondary school infrastructure in the south of the county to make sure our learners are taught in buildings that are fit for purpose and meet the needs of a 21st century education system.

"The new campus at Brecon will replace a school building that is in very bad condition. Investment in Gwernyfed High School will improve the learning environment of a school that is also currently in poor condition and we look forward to working closely with the school to take forward this fantastic opportunity."