Plans for a £9.75million carbon neutral special school in Brockworth have been approved.

Due to open in September 2022, the school in Mill Lane will mainly cater for 11-16 year olds with social, emotional and mental health needs.

It will also support children with autism and speech, language and communication needs.

The council's director of children's services Chris Spencer said: "I'm delighted this new special school has been given the go ahead and we can start providing more of these much-needed places to help children and young people reach their full potential."

With places for 75 pupils who currently have to travel to schools out of county or to independent schools to meet their specific needs, the school is predicted to save Gloucestershire County Council almost £2million per year.

It will be run by the Learn@ Multi-Academy Trust and chief executive Peter Evans said: "We are so pleased that planning has been granted for this much needed special school in Brockworth.

"We believe every young person deserves the best and believe that this school will be an inspirational place for young people to learn and develop to reach their potential."

Plans for the school include making facilities available for community use outside school hours with the Brockworth Sports Foundation leasing the Sports England standard facilities.