A NEW multi-million pound teaching block at Budmouth Technology College has moved a step closer.

Dorset County Council cabinet members have approved work to start on a temporary access road, temporary parking and relocation of netball courts and classrooms this summer.

The work will allow replacement of the school's main block to start next year, including a new 35-classroom block, new science and IT laboratories and a futuristic open plan area.

The estimated cost of the project is £17.6 million.

Chief financial officer Paul Kent said: "It is intended to commence the enabling works during the summer holiday to meet a planned start on the replacement building in early 2009."

Measures to enable the project to go ahead are