Plans to build a new secondary school and redevelop the Richmond College site have moved to the next stage.

Earlier this year, the college, in partnership with the council, carried out a consultation on proposals that included a new secondary school, improved community resources and the possibility of new accommodation for specialist school Clarendon School.

It was suggested a residential site could be built on the current location of the college and the college moved to a site next to the A316.

A Richmond Council spokeswoman said that although the plans were still at the feasibility assessment stage a residential development was the most likely because it would bring the most money, which would be needed for such a large development scheme.

Within the consultation results, 71 per cent of respondents agreed that redeveloping the college would have a positive impact on the area and education, but 53 per cent agreed with the overall proposals and 29 per cent disagreed with them.

Some concerns were raised over access routes to the college, with 30 per cent of respondents saying they believed the plans would have a negative impact on access routes.

The council and college will now seek funding for the project and make any improvements to the scheme.

Lord True, leader of the council, said: “I am pleased that residents, students and parents are overall in favour of the proposals. We know that there are some concerns – particularly regarding access – and as our exploration moves forward, we will take this into consideration.”

David Ansell, Richmond College principal, added: “I look forward to continuing discussions with my colleagues at the council and to further developing our ideas at the earliest possible opportunity, bearing in mind the feedback we have now had.”