Proposals to transform a former St John Ambulance station in Blackpool into a school for vulnerable children are set to press ahead.
An application was submitted to Blackpool planners for proposed use of the old St John training centre building on Park Road as a school for children up to and including the age of 17.
The premises were originally built as a St John Ambulance training centre in 1963 and were used for that purpose until recently, when they were put up for sale.
Applicants, SBL Care Services were seeking a Lawful Development Certificate for their proposals, stating that both the existing lawful use and the proposed use of the building are classed as F1, meaning a change of use planning application would not be required.
Before making a decision, Blackpool’s planning officer sought to determine what ‘use class’ the building had, to ensure that planning permission would not be needed for the proposed new use.
The officer concluded that the building had the same character of use as other, clearly defined St John Ambulance halls and, therefore, the same Use Class as the new proposals.
The report stated: “As the use of the site as proposed would constitute a F.1 use, no development would take place and, therefore, no planning permission would be required.
“The proposal would not constitute development requiring planning permission or breach any conditions imposed on previous permissions. As such, a Certificate should be granted. “
SBL Care Services provides residential care and education for vulnerable children with complex needs, offering dedicated 24/7 support in “Good” to “Outstanding” rated homes.
The provision offered focuses on developing life skills, emotional resilience, and positive futures through individualised plans and specialist coaching
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