POOLE council has been left with a £1.9million dilemma after axing proposals for a new secondary school.

The borough paid the sum in a deal with Bournemouth and Poole College for the site of the former Jellicoe Theatre in Constitution Hill Road.

It was one of two pieces of land under consideration, the other being the Dolphin Swimming Poole site in Kingland Road, but now the council has decided it does not need to build another school and cabinet has agreed to look at extending five existing schools instead.

"Having ruled the Constitution Hill site out as a site for a new secondary school the council will now consider alternative options for the future use of the site," said a council spokesman.

"Such options will foremost need to reflect the site's planning framework, alongside service options and corporate priorities."

An "urgent need" had been identified for more secondary school places to meet demand from 2018 when forecasts predicted the town could need 300 extra places per year up to 2022.

However the baby boom was less than expected and revised forecasts now suggest around 240 additional year 7 places will be needed from 2018 on.

Schools which could expand include Carter Community, Parkstone Grammar, Poole Grammar, Poole High and St Edward's RC VA.

Cllr Mike White, cabinet portfolio holder for children, young people and capital projects said cabinet had endorsed the recommendations made by the secondary schools options study steering group.

"Additional secondary school places required in Poole will be provided through expansion of existing schools as data does not support the need for a new school up to September 2025," he said.

“We anticipate that an additional form of entry (30 places) will be required for 2019, with further forms of entry required in 2021, for a period of three years.

"The council will work with any of the Poole schools that it is agreed should expand to plan and prepare for the extra pupils. The need for any building work would be determined on a school-by-school basis depending on the existing accommodation and the number of places to be added.”