Senior councillors in Powys have unanimously agreed to begin the legal process for establishing an all-through Welsh medium primary and secondary school in Builth Wells.

The proposal was approved by members of the Liberal Democrat/Labour cabinet at their meeting this morning (Tuesday).

The initiative aims to address a gap in Welsh medium education at the high school level in Radnorshire.

The council has also committed to investing in infrastructure at both Ysgol Calon Cymru’s current campuses in Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells.

Cabinet Member for Education and Liberal Democrat councillor, Pete Roberts (Llandrindod South), said: “This is the result of two years of extensive work.

“This looks to address the challenges and requirements of the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and seeks to bring forward a proposal for consultation which will address the gap in Welsh medium education within central Powys.

“The paper is extensive and has examined a number of different options that were considered.”

Powys Independent councillor Gareth E Jones (Llanelwedd), who spoke at the meeting on behalf of local members and the Learning and Skills Committee, broadly welcomed the proposal.

Cllr Jones also raised concerns about the “lack” of a strategic plan to deliver Welsh medium education in the Brecknockshire area.

Plaid Cymru group leader, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Glantwymyn), spoke at the meeting on behalf of the Welsh Education Forum, which met last week to discuss the proposal.

Cllr Vaughan said: “The unanimous conclusion is that there had been a desire for years to ensure Welsh medium education provision in this part of Powys, which would naturally grow step by step.”

He added that this would mean less children from the area having to travel vast distances each day to attend secondary Welsh medium education out of county at Ystalyfera.

Cllr Vaughan: “We know the financial issues - it is the Welsh language that will save secondary education in Builth Wells.”

He added there is more to being Welsh than supporting the national rugby team for 80 minutes on a few occasions each year.

Powys Independent and opposition joint leader Cllr Beverley Baynham (Presteigne), said: “I do welcome this and the consultation and it’s just an appeal.

“Please don’t forget us over here in Presteigne and Knighton, because we are part of this catchment.”

Eventually, the Cabinet held a vote and unanimously supported the proposal.

After the vote, council leader, Liberal Democrat, Cllr James Gibson-Watt (Glasbury), said: “It’s a momentous decision.”

The move will take place in two distinct phases, leading to the splitting of Ysgol Calon Cymru by 2029.

The Builth Wells campus will become a new Welsh medium all-through school for ages four to 18, while the Llandrindod Wells campus will continue to provide English medium education under the Ysgol Calon Cymru brand.