“AMBITIOUS” plans to create a new school and a national centre for excellence at the former St Mary’s site in Shaftesbury have been approved. Plans to create a new school for around 280 pupils with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND) and a leading national centre of excellence at the site was approved after councillors considered views of local people, who overwhelmingly said it should continue to be used for education. Councillor Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for children, education and early help, said: “We have seized a unique opportunity to create something amazing for Dorset. We are determined to make Dorset the best place to grow-up by investing in forward thinking initiatives like this.