A NEW school building in Frampton Cotterell is finally being built after a period of uncertainty ends.

The long-awaited construction of Watermore Primary School was thrown in to doubt when Frampton Parish Council submitted an application for the old site, which was over 300-years-old, to be listed.

However the application for Grade 2 listing was rejected meaning that work could begin, despite a lengthy delay.

The new building will look to combine the two sites that the school is currently running from, Lower Stone Close and Woodend Road, under one roof.

A new facility, which will offer 420 places to pupils from the area will also include parking facilities and a multi-use games area which would be completed simultaneously with the main school building.

Ofsted rated the school as 'Outstanding' in their latest inspection causing a big increase in the number of applications for places at the school.

The Headteacher of the school, Janet Hoyle, had previously stated that she would find a 'solution to the problem' if the building did not go ahead because of the listing application.

However now she is excited to see what the future holds as work begins.

"I would really like to thank everyone who has supported our vision for the school, who have worked hard to ensure we have been given this opportunity to improve the education facilities in our area," she said.

"It will provide children with greater opportunities.

"This marks the beginning of a new future for Watermore and the provision of primary education for Frampton Cotterell."

Cllr Toby Savage, the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council and member of the cabinet for schools, has been involved in the process since the start.

He revealed his delight that the work had finally started, saying: "Improving our education standards is the number one priority of this Administration and I am delighted to see the vision for Watermore School begin to take shape."

MP for Thornbury and Yate, Luke Hall, also secured extra funding for the project.