A new school in Leckhampton has moved a step closer after a judicial review of the planning application was withdrawn.

The review, stemming from a complaint by a local resident to preserve views, move an all-weather pitch and prevent the removal of a footpath, was described as a "nagging threat".

Its withdrawal means work on the 900-pupil school, which began with a groundbreaking ceremony in September ahead of archaeological work, can step up a gear.

The school is expected to open in 2022 with the first pupils attending a temporary site at Balcarras School from September.

Councillor Patrick Molyneux, cabinet member for education, economy and skills at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "This is great news for Cheltenham families - now we can get on with building the brand-new, carbon-neutral, secondary school we promised.

"This is a key part of the county council's £100m investment into schools across our county, which is making such a difference for Gloucestershire's children and young people."

Kier Construction was announced as the main contractor in February 2019 for the £30million project which includes a new all-weather pitch, sports playing fields and a multi-use games area.

The school will be carbon neutral, to help protect the environment for future generations.

Councillor Iain Dobie, county councillor for Leckhampton and Warden Hill, said: "I know from listening to parents from Leckhampton and Naunton Park primary schools just how relieved they will be that this nagging threat to their local community secondary has finally gone away.

"Now we can crack on with building a school in Leckhampton Fields to which pupils will walk and cycle.

"Once its solar panels are approved at planning committee this week it will be on track to become the greenest in the county when it opens in 2022."