Plans for special school on playing fields blocked

Luton Council hopes to build a one to two-storey social, emotional, mental health (SEMH) school for 112 pupils on playing fields in the town

Plans for a new special school have been objected to by Sport England on the grounds it would result in the loss of playing fields.

Luton Council is looking to build its first dedicated school for pupils aged nine to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) special needs.

The Labour-run council's development management committee heard that, despite at first indicating its agreement, the arms-length government body has now objected to the loss of the Bishopscote Road playing fields in the town.

Council planning officer Franc Genley told the committee the government would have to decide whether to call in the application.

The site, near William Austin Junior School, would include 14 classrooms and a multi-purpose hall, with 234 parking places and storage for 130 bicycles

The school would have a hydrotherapy pool, a trampoline room, a kitchen, staff rooms and other smaller spaces, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"An extra three vocational education rooms will focus on key stage three and four. Specialist provision rooms for aspects of support, observation and pastoral care are included, as well as an indoor sports and assembly hall, a multi-use games area (MUGA) and a five-a-side pitch," said Franc Genley.

"Despite indicating its agreement during pre-applications talks, Sport England has objected to the loss of the playing fields now.

"This would be presented to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish whether the secretary of state desires to call in the application or leave the decision-making with the council."

Liberal Democrat councillor David Franks questioned whether the site was appropriate given the increase in traffic in the area.

Labour councillor Mohammed Yaqub Hanif said: "These children simply can't have their requirements met in mainstream schools.

"By building this facility, the need is fulfilled within the borough for specialist provision."

Councillors approved the development, subject to conditions and it being referred to the secretary of state, with seven votes in favour and two abstentions.