PLANS to provide a £11m state-of-the-art primary school for children with special educational needs have taken a major step forward.

Hampshire County Council has approved the design of the new complex, which will include therapy rooms, a multi-sensory area and a hydrotherapy pool.

The facilities will be built on the site of Forest Edge School in Totton, replacing the existing buildings.

Forest Edge, which will be renamed Forest Park School, will continue to operate until the new complex opens in September next year.

A county council spokesman said the complex would transform special school provision in the New Forest.