New school plan for vacant community centre

Community Resources Centre on Comet Way was vacated in December

A vacant community centre in Leicestershire could be given a new lease of life as a school.

Plans have been submitted to turn the Community Resources Centre, on Comet Way in Coalville, into a special needs school.

The building was listed for sale by owner Leicestershire County Council in August last year, with tenants vacating the property in December, and it has remained empty since.

Details of the application can be found on North West Leicestershire District Council's planning portal, with residents able to have their say on the proposals until 7 April and a target decision date set for 4 June.

Planning documents state the school would employ 56 full-time teaching staff and 25 non-teaching staff in a mix of full and part-time roles, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Applicant Aurora Group said the new school would take up to 98 pupils, who would be a mix of primary and secondary school age groups.

In addition to seeking approval for the change of use, Aurora is also looking to demolish the forecourt steel canopy and an existing shed and greenhouse on the site.

Windows would be replaced and entrances adjusted to make the site more accessible, with Aurora also wanting to create an outdoor games area for the school and 62 parking spaces.

In its application, Aurora said it currently operated 25 services across the country for young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities, including 18 schools.