PLANS to move the Wisbech campuses of the College of West Anglia to March – and to use the redundant Isle site as housing– have been given the seal of approval by councillors. Fenland District Council s planning committee approved the college s multi-mill

PLANS to move the Wisbech campuses of the College of West Anglia to March - and to use the redundant Isle site as housing- have been given the seal of approval by councillors.

Fenland District Council's planning committee approved the college's multi-million pound move to just off the A141 near Gaul Road, March, and outline plans to redevelop the Isle campus in Wisbech, when it met on Wednesday.

Plans for the Isle campus were approved despite two councillors' fears over the loss of a community hall, as well as an added strain on medical services and the transport system.

Councillor Jonathan Farmer, the Mayor of Wisbech, said: "The fact that (planning) officers are recommending approval is gobsmacking."

The planning committee's fears, however, were eased with news that talks are ongoing to provide a community hall on the Thomas Clarkson Community College campus, as part of the Building School for the Future project.

Senior Fenland councillors described the college's move to March as a massive benefit to the whole of Fenland.

Council leader Geoff Harper said the college move was "fundamental" in achieving the council's aim of enhancing further education provision in Fenland.

Councillor Alan Melton, the council's portfolio holder for economic and business development, added: "This is a massive, massive investment for a district the size of Fenland."

The decision will now be referred to cabinet and the Secretary of State for final approval.