PLANS are under way to raze the former Moatfield Middle School building and replace it with new premises.

County officers want to build a new Matchborough First School on the site instead of the original proposals under the Redditch Review, which earmarked Moatfield for conversion to house Claybrook and Icknield First School pupils.

The plans, which are supported by parents and governors, depend on part of the site being used for housing.

Planning applications have already been submitted for the new school and residential development.

The school has 330 pupils aged four to nine who are due to move on to the site in September 2002. But if the plan goes ahead, it will delay any move by at least two terms.

Worcestershire County Council will revert back to converting the Moatfield site if either the plans for the new school or development of the site are rejected.