PLANS to build a massive 140-bedroom accommodation block at a top North Yorkshire school have been given the go-ahead.

The development is scheduled for completion at Ampleforth College and Abbey in time for the start of the 2004 academic year.

Peter Bryan, from the college, told members of Ryedale District Council's planning committee at a meeting last night that the development was essential to ensure Ampleforth continued to compete against other top- level boarding schools.

The block will be used to house 70 boys and 70 girls aged 13 to 16 so the school can become fully co-educational, he explained.

Members of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty joint advisory committee expressed concerns about the siting of the block.

English Heritage said it was unhappy with the building's design, which could incorporate sustainable hardwood slats, buff terracotta walls and a planted green roof.

But Councillor Brian Cottam, supporting the application, said: "I think the issues of the building's impact on the landscape is outweighed by the needs of the school."

He said he thought the application was a brave one in its design.

Coun Lindsey Burr said: "I personally would argue the case that on this particular site we should actually embrace the modern, the futuristic."

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, June 25, 2003