A CONTROVERSIAL special school is in line to be closed and relocated in a new £4m building.

Durham County Council education chiefs feel the 19th Century premises which accommodate Windlestone Hall School, near Rushyford, County Durham, are unsuitable for their current role.

They plan to build a replacement 60-place school, for pupils with education and behavioural difficulties (EBD), in nearby Chilton, when money becomes available.

The school hit the headlines earlier this year when a three-year investigation into allegations of abuse by 86 former pupils was published.

The £1m inquiry report was dismissed as "a whitewash" by parents when it emerged no one was to face criminal charges, despite concluding there was some foundation to the allegations.

Windlestone Hall, built in 1835, was once the family home of former Tory Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden and was developed as a school in 1958.

Councillor Neil Foster, lead cabinet member for education, said that, even after considerable adaptations and improvements, the 19th Century country house was not designed for 21st Century education.

He said: "The present building needs extensive structural repairs and its listed status means there would be significant cost implications in carrying them out.

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

Coun Foster said the 90-acre Chilton Blue House Farm had been earmarked as the preferred new site.

"The improved accommodation will help the school provide a broader ranged curriculum, a greater variety of teaching and learning approaches and new accredited courses, so raising standards."

Initial consultations have already been held with teachers and governors at the school.

When finance for the scheme becomes available, the council will publish public notices advertising more detailed proposals.

Chilton West Residents Association will discuss the proposals on Tuesday at Chilton and Windlestone WMC, from 7.15pm.