The go-ahead has been given for the creation of a £15 million special needs school in Burgess Hill.
A single school will be opened to accommodate children up to the age of 14 on a site that is currently used by London Meed Primary and Oakmeeds Community College, the BBC reports.
The school is expected to open in 2012, with approval being granted by West Sussex Planning Committee.
Peter Griffiths, local council cabinet member for education and schools, said: "It's long been an aspiration of West Sussex County Council and education professionals to improve special needs education in Mid Sussex.
"We've gone to great lengths to bring this to fruition, working with all the schools involved, parents, teachers and governors.
"This decision means we can continue this partnership with renewed enthusiasm."
The Department for Education announced earlier this year that special schools will have the opportunity to gain academy status from 2011.
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