A special needs school in Andover is in line to receive a major upgrade if Hampshire County Council votes through an investment programme.

A consultation on expanding Icknield School, located on River Way, from 78 to 88 places will be launched if the council signs off on the plans next Tuesday.

They will consult on plans to invest £2.5 million in the school to “significantly improve and re-model the internal spaces.”

The decision will be made by Councillor Patricia Stallard, Hampshire County Council’s executive lead member for children’s services and young people.

Cllr Kirsty North, who represents Andover North, lauded the plans reaching a “fantastic milestone.”

She said: “Following my meetings with the #NeedsToo group and Kit Malthouse MP, I have been pressing for improvements to this site. I visited the School with the lead officer for SEND Capital Development in July last year where we received a tour from Headteacher, Sean, and I’ve been checking up on progress ever since.

“The proposed scheme would allow space for an additional 10 pupils and it is envisaged those places would be available for September 2022.

“I will update again following the decision day, but subject to sign-off, I look forward to engaging with more parents throughout the consultation phase and beyond.”

Icknield School provides education for children aged five to 19 with severe learning difficulties.

Late last month, it confirmed several cases of Covid-19, with six members of staff and two students contracting the virus.

Half of the school was sent home as a result, with the rest of the staff and pupils protected by the bubble system in place.

If plans for the consultation are approved, a ‘detailed project appraisal’ will be brought to a future decision day to be decided upon.