Plans in the pipeline for new school in Blackpool

A new school could open in Blackpool, if proposals get the go ahead.

A planning application has been submitted to Blackpool Council seeking permission for use of premises at 10 Clifton Avenue, Marton, as an independent school for educating 24 pupils and the provision of 12 staff.

The proposals also include alterations to existing parking provision (formation of a staff car park), creation of vehicle access and pedestrian entrance and erection of a timber fence.

The intended premises in Willow House, a building which has already been used for purposes connected to education.

A planning statement has been prepared by Ribble Valley Architecture Ltd. on the behalf of applicant Hexagon Care Services Ltd.

It states: “The proposal is to use the premises as an independent school for children with special educational needs.

“The school will teach pupils with a range of complex needs, who have struggled in previous education placements.

“The external alterations proposed include increasing the number of parking provisions within the application site (formation of a staff car park) and creation of an additional vehicle exit and pedestrian entrance.

“A maximum of 24 pupils will be educated at the school. The pupils will be children who reside at children’s homes located in close proximity or living at home with parents. Twelve employees will be employed on site.

“The school will have a dedicated headteacher, supported by qualified teachers and teaching assistants who have the skills and experience needed to meet the individual learning needs of each young person.

“The school will operate during school hours and term times only. “

The statement says the school would be registered with the Department of Education and subject to Ofsted monitoring and assessment.

A broad, balanced, relevant education would be provided in keeping with the National Curriculum, with the education tailored to each pupil’s exact needs.

In planning terms, only minimal internal alterations are proposed to the existing building.

The intended property, The Willows, is a two-storey building which has, since 2007, been in use as a pupil referral unit, educating up to 14 pupils and employing six staff, operating between Monday – Friday.

Previous to this date, the building was in use as a mentally and physically handicapped rest home for approximately eight service users.

The application was submitted on December 18 and a decision is pending.