A SPECIAL meeting of senior councillors will be held to decide plans to expand a Welsh medium school in Torfaen.

Councillors were due to decide whether to go ahead with a £6million project to extend the age range at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday but Torfaen council said the issue was deferred until next week “when further information will be available.”

The Welsh Government funded scheme would see nursery and primary education provided at the school, which currently caters for pupils 11-18-years-old.

It would become the first school for pupils aged three to 18 in the borough if approved.

A report which was due to be discussed by cabinet said one objection was lodged against the proposal during a statutory 28-day period.

The objector voiced concern the scheme could increase traffic and exacerbate parking issues around the school.

But council bosses say the proposal will reduce the need to travel as it will result in pupils living closer to a Welsh medium school.

Pupils currently attend Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw from across the wider Gwent area, and this will remain the same if the proposal goes ahead.

The extra provision would open in September 2021 as a seedling school, initially with a nursery and reception class only and then growing each year.

The Welsh Government has committed to growing the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050.

Funding of £30million has been allocated to support projects dedicated to increasing the use of the Welsh language in education.

Torfaen’s £6million proposal was approved by Welsh Government last year, on condition the council successfully completes statutory consultations.

A special cabinet meeting has now been arranged to decide the issue next Tuesday, June 18.

Council officers have recommended the plans are approved.