A COMPULSORY purchase order has been voted for by West Berkshire councillors in order to build a new school in Theale and end a long running stand off with the parish council.

At a council meeting last week West Berkshire representatives opted for the order which will allow them to purchase North Street playing fields where they will build a 420 place primary school.

The move comes after Theale Parish Council, who lease the land owned by Englefield Estate, U-turned on their earlier decision to sell the plot to West Berkshire Council in July.

With the deadline to spend £7.5m of government funding provided to correct Theale's school place shortage looming, the council decided to push the purchase through.

Councillor Lynne Doherty, Executive Member for Children's Services, said: "It's frustrating that we have not been able to find a solution through negotiation.

“Throughout these discussions our priority has always been to deliver a first-class school for the village.

“We now have no option but to pursue a compulsory purchase order - a move which will further squeeze our education budget and specifically the amount of money we have put aside to deliver this new school.

“We remain undeterred in our ambition to deliver the best possible education in Theale and are still committed to our plan for the village."

Theale Parish Council caused controversy earlier in the year when they flip-flopped on their decision to sell the land.

In a letter to West Berkshire Council the parish council said: "The conditions that have not been met are seen by the council as paramount to the safety of all concerned and to the long term impact on the village.

"It is on this basis that Theale Parish Council’s decision is not to relinquish the lease on land at North Street playing fields."

As a result of the protracted negotiations the new school will not be opened in September 2017 as planned.