A new £17 million education campus in West Dunbartonshire is being recommended for refusal by planning officials.

Plans for the campus at Alexandria include developing two schools, an early learning centre and a specialist language unit.

It is proposed the project will be developed on an area currently occupied by a football pitch at the front of Vale of Leven Academy as well as the grounds of St Martin's Primary School.

However, Executive Director Terry Lanagan has recommended the plan is withdrawn due to reservations expressed by Educational Scotland and in addition to opposition from parents groups and the Archdiocese of Glasgow.

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An Educational Services Committee report detailing the results of the council's consultation on the plans is due to be submitted for discussion.

Of the 670 responses received, 401 were against the proposal, 167 were in favour and 102 did not express an opinion.

Mr Lanagan has instructed officers to instead develop new plans to address issues affecting the schools estate, such as the poor condition of the Renton and St Martin's/Riverside buildings and the low roll of St Martin's.

He said: "While it’s clear there are significant educational benefits to some groups of pupils, I appreciate that Education Scotland has reservations and in addition there has been significant opposition from some members of the public and the Archdiocese.

"As a result I am recommending the committee withdraws the current proposal and allows officers to develop new plans for the school estate in Alexandria."

(LM/CD)