A report presented to Angus Council’s Policy and Resources Committee yesterday revealed that the price of the new facility increased by £10.5 million to £66.5m.

Extreme volatility in construction costs outwith the control of Angus Council was blamed for the rise, but the committee gave its unanimous backing for the project.

Angus Council’s head of finance Ian Lorimer said he does not expect any further major financial setbacks.

The council expects to complete financial closure on the project within the next fortnight, allowing work to start in June on the two-year build.

Detailed designs for the 1,200-pupil secondary school were approved last month.