HOPES of a new primary school for Bovey Tracey within the next four years have taken a small step forward.

Plans for a new school to double capacity of the existing 280 pupil school have been around for some time.

But now Teignbridge Council has funded a feasibility study, carried out by Devon County Council.

The aim is for a new 420 pupil school to be situated on land owned by Bovey Tracey Town Council off Le Molay-Littry Way, allowing the growing community to replace an ageing 280-pupil campus in Abbey Road.

The recent feasibility has confirmed further surveys, expected to take a year, are required to provide essential ecological information and a more accurate cost estimate.

A Teignbridge Council statement to the town council said: ‘The completion of this initial feasibility design work does not act as a commitment by Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council to fund nor deliver this project, however you will be kept up to date on the progress of any such decision making. Delivering a new school is a long-term project.

‘If the surveys, design, permissions, and funding can be secured, delivery of a school may be possible by 2029.’

Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke said: ‘We’re keeping everything crossed the next survey will deliver the results we want and allow Bovey Tracey to develop the primary school it needs.

‘The site would also provide additional outdoor facilities for the whole community so this is a really important project for our town.

‘We hope we can secure the promise of a new school in advance of any changes from the Local Government Review.

‘We’re not counting our chickens but are excited for a positive outcome.’

The current school site might possibly be earmarked for an older people’s housing scheme.

Cllr Brooke said: ‘We are very keen to see it put to a use that meets Bovey’s needs and not those of a commercial developer.

‘That’s a message we’ll repeat loud and clear for as long as it takes.’