The council says the block will not "compromise" the listed building

The scheme to replace temporary classrooms used at Dorset's Lytchett Minster School since a fire in 2000 was approved by county council planners.

School governors and the authority had previously fallen out over plans for the block but the council said talks had now resolved initial concerns.

The governors are to meet next week to discuss the latest plans.

On a complex and sensitive site such as this there will always be some disagreement over the outward appearance of a building Council leader Angus Campbell

The council said that the block, while modern in design, would not "compromise" the school's Grade II listed building and had been approved by English Heritage.

Angus Campbell, leader of the council, said he hoped the school and the council could now put past disagreements behind them.

"On a complex and sensitive site such as this there will always be some disagreement over the outward appearance of a building.

"However, it is important that the teaching block is acceptable to the planners, and the statutory consultees, or it cannot be built.

"Having said that, I am pleased that it will also provide excellent social space and teaching facilities for the children of Lychett Minster School, who have had to make do with temporary accommodation since the fire," he said.

It is hoped the building, which will double the teaching capacity at the school, will be completed by the summer of 2008.