THE school set up by singer Charlotte Church has been retrospectively approved by the Vale council.

Ms Church now has permission to to open the school in her home in Dinas Powys.

The Vale council's planning committee agreed to approve a planning application for the school this week.

Part of the singer's Awen Project, Ms Church has spoken of her hopes the project will soon start up more independent schools.

As the Penarth Times previously reported, the former child star, musician, presenter and campaigner says she will pay for the school herself in its first year.

It will be non fee-paying and will educate 20 children aged between nine and 11.

Ms Church has said that the school would be aimed at children struggling in mainstream education, and offer pupils more of a say in their curriculum.

Vale councillors were told the singer had begun teaching in her home two months ago, and that the application was therefore retrospective.

The councillors were further told that the school would only be held in the Ms Church's home for one year and the singer has agreed to the condition to find a new home for it by July 2020 - with five options already shortlisted.

The Vale council's highways department did not have any objections to the school and councillors approved the application.