Carmarthenshire schools: Ysgol Dyffryn Tywi go-ahead
A controversial new secondary school in Carmarthenshire which has faced strong opposition has been granted planning permission.
Ysgol Pantycelyn in Llandovery is merging with Tregib and a new school will be built at Lovelodge Farm in Ffairfach near Llandeilo.
Opponents in Pantycelyn tried to block the shake-up as the new Ysgol Dyffryn Tywi will be 15 miles (24km) away.
They said the school should have been built between the existing sites.
Last year, the Pantycelyn campaigners lost a legal bid for a judicial review into the merger.
Education Minister Leighton Andrews also threw out objections to the move.
On Thursday, Carmarthenshire council's planning committee approved plans for the new 1,200-pupil school at Ffairfach.
Council leader Kevin Madge said: "I am delighted that we now have planning permission for the new school.
"It is a significant investment in education in the Dinefwr area and will be of benefit to many young people in the area.
"It is an opportunity to improve educational facilities and opportunities for local youngsters."
The new school will also feature a 30-pupil specialist autism unit.
The merging of the two schools is part of a wider shake-up of education in the Dinefwr area of Carmarthenshire.