Controversial plans to build a school on a contaminated former council tip in north Wales have been given the go-ahead.

But First Minister Rhodri Morgan has put in place strict conditions ensuring the former gasworks and refuse dump in Llandudno is properly cleared up before the new Ysgol John Bright is built.

The proposed site of the replacement school

An independent report by parents highlighted concerns about potential health risks to pupils and staff if the land was not properly cleaned up.

The project prompted interventions from local AM Gareth Jones, Friends of the Earth Cymru and the Children's Commissioner for Wales, Peter Clarke.

Time is pressing to replace the existing John Bright school and the former tip was identified as a suitable site, prompting a local backlash.

Toxic gases were identified under the surface, raising concerns about public health.

But, in announcing its decision, the Welsh Assembly Government called on Conwy County Council - the local education authority - to address the concerns as part of the relocation plan.

Speaking from Anglesey, Mr Morgan said: "The whole of the Welsh Assembly Cabinet is aware of the strength of feeling amongst parents in Llandudno over the council's proposals to relocate the school to this particular site.

Rhodri Morgan: Go-ahead with conditions

"I can assure those campaigners that the most careful and expert consideration has been given to this matter."

Mr Morgan added a report on the hazards by consultants Parsons Brinkerhoff indicated the way forward for the scheme.

The report states: "There is no reason why a school cannot be built on the site proposed, provided appropriate measures are taken to both understand and manage potential hazards and risks.

"At present, such measures do not appear to have been taken and those that have appear to be inadequate."

The Welsh Assembly Government wants experts brought in to assess and oversee the clean-up process and meet the expectations of the chief medical officer.

Children's Commissioner Peter Clarke: Concerns

Mr Morgan added: "Secondly, we are concerned that there has been insufficient collaboration between local authority officers and officers of the local health authority in relation to this case.

"I am writing to set out the background to ministers' considerations of the various aspects of the John Bright School proposals.

"Thirdly, action needs to be put in hand to rebuild public confidence in the steps taken to ensure public safety."

The Welsh Assembly Government had earlier approved a public finance initiative for Conwy council to build a new school by selling the existing site to a supermarket chain.