PLANS to build two schools in east Cleveland have been approved.

Work is due to start later this year on a multi-million pound integrated learning campus in Saltburn, that will see the creation of Huntcliff Secondary School.

A new Saltburn Primary School will also be built on one site to replace the current school, which is split between Marske Mill Lane and Upleatham Street.

The plan will create Saltburn Learning Campus by 2008 - bringing together both new schools and a newly-built children's centre.

Funding is already in place for the children's centre, due to open next month, but a further £11.5m allocation for both new schools has been made by the Department for Education and Skills through its Targeted Capital Fund.

This represents 80 per cent of the project's cost, with the remaining 20 per cent to come from the sale of the surplus sites.

It is hoped the 520-place secondary school will open in September 2008, with the primary school ready for pupils the following year.

The children's centre will provide integrated services and support for families, as well as a base for Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust.

The first phase of the scheme will be building the secondary school, then linking the two new blocks - the humanities block and a resource centre, including a library and ICT suite.

The existing secondary school will then be demolished, providing car parking for staff, parents and visitors.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee considered the outline application at its meeting in Guisborough on Wednesday.

Chairman Peter Spencer said a detailed application would come back to the committee for consideration.

"We are very intrigued with the design - whether it is going to be acceptable, or look like an eyesore.

"Rest assured, when it comes back, we will take a detailed consideration of all the design to make sure it is acceptable for both the site and visual effect," he said.

Speaking afterwards, Ruth Headdon, headteacher of Huntcliff School, said: "We are delighted and it is the next stage towards developing our Saltburn Learning Campus and extend opportunities for children and adults in the local wider community."