Security had to be called when emotions boiled over at meeting to determine the future of Helston Community College.

It was as the west sub-area planning committee at Cornwall Council sat down on Monday to decide whether to grant permission for the near complete rebuild of its north site.

All but the separate, newer languages block will be replaced, with a new three-tier building taking in C-Block (maths and English), D-Block (science and PE) and E-Block (technology), as well as providing a large sports hall, separate assembly hall and reception area.

Despite the concerns of neighbours, councillors voted 12 to two in favour of granting conditional approval, much to the relief of executive headteacher Donna Bryant, who gave an impassioned speech over how necessary the work was.

She described doors that would not close unless locked, "oppressive" heat in the summer due to only two windows now having the ability to open and declared the conditions "intolerable" for pupils and staff.

Speaking afterwards she told the Packet: "I am delighted and relieved that planning has been granted for the new build.

"Soon we will all be able to see that this is project is actually going to happen and the children, staff and community will have the long awaited and much deserved new school building. We can’t wait for the builders to get started!

"I’d like to thank to everyone who has supported us on this journey."

There was a moment of high drama in the meeting, however, when emotions boiled over for one neighbouring resident of the site, Naila Henry, who accused councillor Andrew Wallis of lying and refused to be silenced, prompting security to be summoned.

It was after Mr Wallis, the former lead councillor for children's services in Cornwall, warned any further delay over the application could jeopardise the funding from the Education Funding Agency.

He said: "If you defer it or push it back you will put in jeopardy the funding for this. Only two schools were successful when we put in 15 applications - and they're on a par with Helston's building."

However, Ms Henry who claimed she "worked with Derek Thomas" shouted: "He's lying to you. The money is safe. I work with the MP and the Department of Education. Why are you listening to lies?"

After being warned she would have to leave a number of times, security was sent for, but Ms Henry left of her own accord before they arrived.

Mr Wallis denied the accusations, saying: "I have not lied at any point," and was backed up by a council officer.

Ms Henry had also tried to claim the proposed cladding for the school building was "similar" to that used on the fire-stricken Grenfell Tower - something that was strongly refuted by Coral Ducroq, a senior town planner with architects Stride Treglown, who said: "The cladding proposed is not the same as in Grenfell Tower."

Earlier, neighbours had urged the committee to defer their decision so that more consideration could be given to their suggestion to relocate the building further north of the field, moving the "noise" and bin store - a particular concern for residents fearing an increase in rats - away from the homes. The closest house to the new building's location will be 49 metres away.

Helston's mayor Gillian Geer, representing the town council - which in June recommended refusal but said it would be "minded to approve" the building was moved 25 metres north and included whole-site screening - echoed the call for a deferment for this reason, whilst stressing "we need a new school, please, we must have one."

However, Ms Ducroq of Stride Treglown claimed relocating north would cost an additional £168,000 through moving services, the demolition and subsequent building of a sports pitch and a different road layout.

In a majority vote, councillors agreed with planning officer Chloe Pitt's recommendation that "the impacts on neighbour amenities would not be so significant to warrant refusal."