A NEW Darwen superschool is set to ‘bring benefits to the wider community’ after plans were approved by councillors.

Darwen Vale High School will be revamped under the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) program, in a scheme which will retain most of the original 1930s grammar school.

Additions and extensions added since the 1970s will be demolished, and new buildings around the grammar school block will house modern classrooms and resource centres.

Outside, a new all-weather sports pitch and multi-use games area will go alongside the existing community sports centre.

New bus shelters and traffic-calming measures will be put in place at the front of the school, along with a separate pedestrian path to the buildings.

Unlike other schools redeveloped under the BSF project, Darwen Vale will not merge with any others, and will maintain its capacity at 1,200 pupils.

Planning officers said that in its present state, the school was unsuitable for modern teaching techniques.

Planning committee chairman and Sudell councillor Paul Browne said: “The refurbishment of the school is going to be a great thing for Darwen, and the committee has made a correct decision that we are all proud of.

“It’s excellent news for parents and children, of course, but the new school will benefit everyone, because even more facilities will be available to the wider community.

“Everyone on the committee welcomed the plans, and they were passed unanimously.”

The Local Education Partnership, a body set up to oversee the school developments in East Lancashire, must now complete environmental surveys on trees, as well as bat and owl habitats, before beginning work.

Darwen Vale’s revamped building is due to open in 2010.