THE future of Sir James Dyson’s £56m design and engineering school in Bath is under threat ahead of a planning vote by local councillors on Wednesday.

The vacuum-cleaner entrepreneur, who wants to build a centre to teach 2,500 teenagers a week and start a diploma to reduce Britain’s shortage of engineers, faces an uphill battle for approval.

Council officers earlier this month recommended rejection of the scheme on the grounds that it would damage the historic character of the proposed site, a former craneworks. The Environment Agency is also arguing that the centre would pose an increased flood risk to the city.

It is the latest setback for the project, conceived four years ago on a site initially suggested by the council.

“Frankly it’s bewildering,” said Dyson. “The same people who offered South Quays, and who we’re negotiating with to buy the site, are now jeopardising the school. Why? We have redesigned to the satisfaction of English Heritage and we’ve safeguarded against flooding. And yet seemingly it’s not enough.” However, Dyson, who has lived in and around Bath for the past 40 years, has won support from the government. The project featured in the recent white paper on science and innovation.

“The government has been great. They are totally behind it and really want to see it happen,” said Dyson.

“This is a local matter. What is depressing is that the people at the council appear to have changed their minds. They want offices there instead of a school.”

Dyson’s charitable foundation has contributed £12.5m to the scheme so far, in partnership with the Learning and Skills Council and the regional development agency. It incorporates one of the facades of the old factory, designed by the architect Thomas Fuller and was once home to a cranemaker, Stothert & Pitt. Supporters include local employers Airbus and Rolls-Royce, whose staff would act as mentors to students.

Britain produces 24,000 engineering graduates a year, against a demand for 37,000, and compared with 351,000 coming out of China.

Dyson’s team has rejected other possible sites in Bristol and Swindon.

It favours Bath because of its close links to the local university.

Dyson would not say if a “no” vote would mean the end of the road for his dream.

“We have to wait to see what happens at the meeting,” he said. .”

A council spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment before the meeting.

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