A MUCH-needed new primary school will be built on former water board land, the Lancashire Telegraph can reveal.

But houses could be ‘compulsory purchased’ to make room for it.

Land off Macleod Street, which once housed the water board’s yard, and properties off Appleby Street and Portland Street, Nelson, will provide a home for the eagerly-anticipated Whitefield Infants and Juniors.

Education bosses have considered a number of options for the £3.5million venture, including another sprawling site off Carr Road.

Homes in Portland Street and Appleby Street have been incorporated into the scheme to avoid construction over existing sewer pipes.

Lancashire County Council and Pendle Council have now begun the process of placing compulsory purchase orders on a number of properties in the adjoining terraces.

In a report to the Whitefield Regeneration Partnership, Brian Cookson, housing regeneration manager, said: “Any existing residents in the area will be offered full market value for their homes and will also have the option to purchase refurbished properties within the Whitefield area if they wish to do so.”

The school will take in pupils from the existing Whitefield Infants and Lomeshaye Junior schools while offering extra places.

Last year the education authority identified significant gaps in provisions for primary school age children in Nelson.

Coun Nadeem Ahmed, who represents Whitefield ward, said: “This is a great opportunity for the area. This is right in the heart of the community and will be a brilliant addition to Waterside. The site along Carr Road was probably a bit out of the way.

“The first phase of the redeveloped houses in Every Street will be completed soon and people will start moving into the area so this is really good timing.”

Coun Ahmed hoped those who had to relocate from the nearby streets could remain in Whitefield if they preferred.

County council officials hope the new school will be opened by 2010, with the site being assembled by the end of this summer.