Specialist autism school could open in this Lancashire village - if plans are given the green light
A “much needed” specialist school for up to 55 children with autism could open in a village on the outskirts of Preston.
Aspris Children’s Services Limited has applied to change the use of a vacant office in Brook Lane, Much Hoole - formerly occupied by Barron Wood Distribution Ltd - to a specialist day school with external works including the erection of play equipment and fencing, and minor alterations to the elevations of the two-storey building.
It is anticipated that the school will cater pupils between the ages of four and 16 years old with autism. A planning statement says: “The specialist school proposed will create a highly structured, low-arousal environment where young people with autism will flourish both academically and emotionally.
“Aspris schools for children with autism have small class sizes, consistent routines and expert staff to form a calm, focused atmosphere where learners can build confidence, grow in independence and prepare for adulthood.
“Owing to the nature of the proposed school, there is a relatively high pupil to staff ratio, and it is anticipated that the school will employ up to 55 members of staff.”
Nationally, there has been a large increase in the number of children seeking SEND support along with a growing demand for education, health and care plans, and Oftsed inspectors have warned urgent action is needed to improve the SEND services on offer in the Lancashire County Council area
Building works
Minor external works are proposed which comprise play equipment and the erection of fencing. Three play areas are proposed to the east, north and west of the two storey building, which will all have a bonded rubber surface and be enclosed by a steel mesh fence. A 2m high mesh fence is proposed around the perimeter of the site with a gate at the vehicular access. Mesh fences and gates are also proposed at either end of the set down area to the south and west of the single storey dwelling.
The whole area is washed over with Green Belt, but the applicant argues that it is repurposing an existing building, which has attracted little attention as an office building, and proposals would be small scale and would not cause any harm to the openness of the green belt.
Access and traffic
Access to the site will remain unchanged. The planning statment says that most pupils will be dropped off at and picked up from the school via shared vehicles, predominantly private taxis which each take 1-3 pupils. The taxis will enter the site and drop pupils off/collect them from within the one-way drop off area between the two buildings. The taxis will then exit this area to the north and follow the one-way route around the northern section of the car park and back to the vehicular entrance on to Brook Lane.
It goes on to say: “The Transport Statement recognises that the proposals will result in an overall decrease in vehicular trips associated with the site and that the impact of the proposal will not be severe in terms of the operation of the highway nor will it have an unacceptable impact on highway safety.”
A total of 71 car parking spaces will be provided within the site, including disabled spaces, and six individual cycle storage lockers are proposed to the east of the single storey building.
The applicant says that “Great weight should be given to the creation of this much needed specialist school providing a safe and secure environment for children with autism.”
A decision will be made in coming weeks by South Ribble Borough Council.
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