The new campus will include Hillside Additional Support Needs School and an Early Childhood Centre as well as new Primary and Secondary provision serving communities around Auchinleck and Cumnock.

The campus will also include a Primary Supported Learning Centre and Secondary Supported Learning Centre for children and young people across the authority

It will transform educational provision in the area for generations to come and provide new recreation and sports opportunities for all.

Parents, staff, children and young people have been actively involved in developing the design of the campus through a series of public consultation events.

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the campus has been approved.

“The new campus will provide outstanding learning facilities for children and young people of all ages, with new and improved provision for those with additional support needs.

“The decision is on the back of a lot of hard work in getting these plans to the Planning Committee and, during that process we have undertaken unprecedented levels of consultation and engagement with individuals, groups and local communities.

“All objections were comprehensively considered to make sure that all aspects of the proposals were fairly and thoroughly scrutinised.”

Councillor Reid added: “It’s an important decision for East Ayrshire and work will now begin to build a modern and inspiring campus, designed to maximise the use of available space, with wide ranging benefits for young people and the local community.

“It is a unique opportunity to improve the educational facilities and the aspirations of all of the young people of the area and marks a very substantial investment and a statement of belief in the young people and communities who will access it.”

Construction works will begin in the next few months, with completion anticipated in 2019.