OUTLINE applications to demolish two schools and redevelop the sites for residential housing have been given the go-ahead.

Councillors have given their approval of an outline application to demolish Rosecroft School, in Rosecroft Lane, Loftus, and redevelop the site after the completion of building work at the Freeborough College, in Brotton.

They also approved an outline application for residential development on the site of the De Brus School, off Marske Lane, Skelton, when it is vacated following the completion of the Freebrough College, which will accommodate pupils from Skelton, Loftus and Brotton. But unlike the original scheme for the De Brus School, the community centre and sports hall have now been excluded from the application site, following public opposition.

Members of Skelton Community Forum and Skelton and Brotton Parish Council want the Virtual Learning Centre to be retained on the site.

But councillors were told at the meeting on Thursday that the relocation of the facilities offered in the Virtual Learning Centre was a management issue, rather than a planning issue, and that the matter was still under consideration.

Freebrough Community College is currently split into three sites at Skelton, Loftus and Brotton.

A decision was made in July to create a single site at Brotton for the 1,000-pupil school.

From September, while building work is under way, all Freebrough's year seven and year eight pupils will be taught at Skelton and students in years nine, ten and 11 will be taught at Loftus.

The 360 students at the Brotton centre will be moved to the Skelton and Loftus sites.

Depending on their age, children from the Skelton and Loftus sites will also be moved to merge with their respective age groups.