THE first stage in a controversial, multi-million pound development in Selby town centre has been given the green light by planning chiefs.

But Dr David Moss, secretary of Selby Civic Society, which has vigorously opposed the plans, described the decision as "a step in the wrong direction" and pledged to fight on against it.

The proposal to relocate Selby Abbey School to a site behind the civic centre as part of the massive redevelopment was backed by county councillors yesterday. An artist's impression of the new school can be seen above. The move is the first hurdle in Dransfield Properties' £16 million bid to extend the town's Morrison's supermarket and build three new shops on land currently occupied by the school and the Abbey Vaults pub.

Members of North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee unanimously approved the application to build a replacement school on land behind the council offices, in Portholme Road.

The scheme is dependent on the larger Morrisons development being approved, and Dransfield do not currently have an agreement with the landowners, Selby District Council, to build a new school there.

Dr Moss said: "It is a surprise in some ways that it has been granted. But we are still against the Dransfield plan in total so we will continue to oppose it as best we can."

The civic society had raised a string of objections to the plan, saying the new site for the 100-year-old Abbey School was too close to the railway line and the civic centre.

But Sue Tite, head teacher at Selby Abbey School, said: "I am very pleased there was such a positive response by the county council and look forward to the improved facilities a new school would bring."

Coun Andrew Lee, who voted to approve the application, said: "I think this is a great location for the school."

But some councillors reacted with anger to the plans.

Coun Maurice Patrick said: "I can't think of a worse place to try and put a primary school than in a car park."

Updated: 09:33 Wednesday, January 25, 2006