DETAILED plans to move a special school into a £6m replacement building are to be released to the public.

Windlestone Hall School for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) is housed in a 19th Century country mansion near Rushyford, County Durham.

But Durham County Council education chiefs feel the historic building is unsuitable for the role.

They plan to build a replacement 60-place school less than two miles away, on land they already own in nearby Chilton.

When the move was first mooted two years ago, it drew strong opposition from Chilton residents, but concerns have decreased as more details have emerged.

Windlestone Hall, built in 1835 and listed as being of Grade II architectural and historic importance, was once the family home of 1950s Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden. It was developed as a school in 1958.

Councillor Neil Foster, county council lead cabinet member for education, said the present building needed extensive structural repairs and, even if they were carried out, the building would still be unsuitable as a school.

He said: "A modern, new building would significantly enhance the opportunities and quality of education available to young people with EBD."

Coun Foster said the present building was surrounded by parkland, which is also Grade II listed, effectively preventing the building of a new school in the grounds.

The preferred site for the new school, which would cater for boys and girls and would include residential provision for up to 20 young people, is the 90-acre Chilton Blue House Farm.

The future of the present building is unclear. It could be used by a different county council department or, if declared surplus to requirements, put on the open market for sale.

Initial consultations have already been held with teachers and governors at the school, who are in favour of the proposals.

More detailed plans are to go on public exhibition on Tuesday, May 11, in Chilton Town Council offices, in Durham Road, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Representatives from both the county council and the school will be available to answer questions.