AN UPDATED planning application to build new Haygrove and Penrose schools in Bridgwater - to stand a better chance of future funding - are on display and available for comment.

Education Secretary Michael Gove stopped the multi-million pound Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme in July and now the two schools, along with East Bridgwater, are on hold awaiting a spending review in September.

Mr Gove has said although the BSF scheme has been halted, there will still be capital investment for schools in the future.

To ensure a better chance of future funding, the BSF Somerset team, based in Bridgwater, has continued rebuilding plans for Haygrove and Penrose on Queenswood Farm.

It has submitted outline permission to Sedgemoor District Council last month, which included new school buildings, highways work and associated access works.

People can see the plans as drawings and detailed information boards went on display at Angel Place Shopping Centre in Bridgwater, yesterday to stay up until Friday, September 17. People can comment by writing to Planning Control, Environment Directorate, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY, or e-mail planning@somerset.gov.uk, by October 1.

Julia Ridge, BSF Somerset director, said: "We are proceeding with the plans because BSF is a brand name for the previous government's initiative to combine rebuilding schools with computers and teacher training.

"The coalition government is considering whether this joint approach is needed or whether a simplified building programme would be more cost effective.

"Mr Gove has assured local authorities he is still committed to capital investment in schools.

"By submitting our planning application it strengthens the case for Haygrove and Penrose to be part of the Government's future investment plans for schools."

The application is to determine whether the site is suitable for the development and must demonstrate why the site is required and chosen, and how it will effect the nearby highways and ecology.

The present Haygrove site, not including the nearby playing fields, will be sold to fund buying the new site and substantial roadworks are needed to improve school and residents' safety. The fate of the present Haygrove playing field and Penrose sites is undecided.

BSF Somerset hopes the planning application will go before Sedgemoor's development committee in November.

The outline plans include an updated and more detailed highways plan.

These include widening Spaxton and Durleigh roads near Enmore Road to include safe pedestrian and cycle paths.

Negotiations between nearby residents are taking place to secure this extra land, but Compulsory Purchase Orders could be used so Somerset County Council can acquire the land without landowners' permission.

There is a proposed roundabout at Enmore Road. There will be a roundabout into the school to control the flow of traffic and public transport including school buses will be routed there.