A POSSIBLE new site for Cliffey House School has been found in Merrimans Hill, Worcester.

A previous plan to build a new school on playing fields at Bilford Road, Perdiswell, had to be abandoned a year ago when it failed to get planning permission.

Now Worcestershire County Council has identified a piece of land bounded by Green Lane and Merrimans Hill as a possible alternative.

Outline planning permission is being sought for a new secondary school catering for nearly 100 children with moderate learning difficulties, aged 11 to 16.

It would replace the present school at The Rhydd, Hanley Castle, and would be fed by Thornton House, in Wylds Lane, which has now become a primary school, catering for children up to 11.

School buildings officer Colin March said: "The county council owns a fairly large area of land opposite Bishop Perowne High School that is not being used for anything at the moment. It's not as big as the Perdiswell site and not so ideal but it could be fine if we redesign the initial concept."

The original plan was for a single-storey building but in order to fit it on the new site, together with a playing field, playground and bus turning bay, part of it would now have to be two-storey.

This would mean installing a lift and would add to the cost.

"In discussion with county inspectors and the head of Cliffey House, we are preparing a detailed brief of exactly what will be needed, so that the architect can draw up the plans if we get outline permission,"said Mr March.

It is hoped the new school will be ready by September 2003.