Councillor Jeremy Buckingham led the debate on the application, moving the proposal be approved.

“This school will be a fantastic vista to the entrance of Orange from that side of town and I think it will be a good outcome for the city, even though I acknowledge some residents have noise issues,” Mr Buckingham said.

A landowner of the area, Kylie Toberty, read a submission to council at the meeting expressing concerns over access issues in the future.

Also at the meeting were opponents of the plan Allan and Sandra Kelly whose eastern boundary of their property will be too close to the school’s proposed entrance and bus bay area.

Yesterday Mr Kelly, who is a shift worker who sleeps during the day, said he was disappointed noise was not recognised by some councillors.

“For councillor (Neil) Jones to say there wouldn’t be noise problems is ridiculous,” he said.

Chair of the Orange Anglican Grammar School David Day said Monday night’s decision was pleasing and now sets in train a plan which will include putting in place infrastructure such as water and sewer at the rural residential site and planning for demountables to be placed on the site for use next year.

“We are hoping that we will be on-site in second term next year, and we have just appointed two additional staff members because of our growing enrolments,” he said.

As part of the approval to proceed with the development, council voted to continue dialogue with nearby residents to address any issues which may occur in the future. However, Cr Taylor said after the meeting he was disappointed there wasn’t enough consultation with nearby residents before last night’s meeting.

He voted for the development to proceed.