A SCHOOL is set to move to a controversial new site.

Governors at Blackheath Bluecoat Church of England School, currently in Old Dover Road, Blackheath, have voted for a move to Millennium Way on the Greenwich Peninsula.

Their approval was granted on condition that the nearby gas holder is decommissioned or a suitable nearby alternative site is provided.

The site is one that was rejected in November by governors of nearby John Roan School, who cited “the absence of a firm timetable” for the gas holder being decommissioned.

The John Roan decision also followed a long-running campaign by parents against the move, who said the planned building was too small and had a lack of suitable play areas.

But Bluecoat governors say their school’s planned move had received no opposition from parents, pupils or staff.

Executive headteacher Jeffrey Risbridger said: “We are absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to move to what promises to be a remarkable building.”

The site being provided as part of the Government's Building Schools for the Future programme, which aims to rebuild or refurbish every secondary school in the country.

If the plans are approved, construction work could begin this year and the move could happen in 2012.

Chair of governors David Prescott said: “It’s fitting that 310 years on from the first Bluecoat in Greenwich, we’re now writing the next chapter in the school’s impressive history.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to provide a first-class secondary school specialising in maths and computing on the Peninsula and we’re absolutely delighted that staff, pupils and parents are fully behind the move. "