Plan approved to bring SEND facility to empty unit

The application sought to turn a unit on West Carr Business Park into a specialist learning facility

A proposal to convert an empty industrial unit in Nottinghamshire into a specialist learning facility has been given the go-ahead.

Bassetlaw District Council has approved the plan to turn the unit, on West Carr Business Park, Retford, into provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The applicant, Polly Teach Ltd, is a subsidiary of the specialist Portland College, which is located near Mansfield and offers residential care and education programmes for young people with SEND.

The plans were approved by the council on Monday after the application was submitted in June.

Pollyteach gives students with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties, aged between eight and 16, an alternative environment to learn in.

Pollyteach became part of Portland College, which is a charity, in 2020 and currently operates from four locations across Ashfield, Bassetlaw and Mansfield.

Planning documents said: "The student attendees face challenges within traditional/mainstream school environments and this alternative approach enables learners to build their self-esteem, confidence and social skills with the development of a bespoke education programme to support their interests and goals."

There would be space for 12 students at any one time, along with up to six staff members, with the building being open Monday to Friday between 9.30 and 14.30 for students and 8.30 until 16.30 for staff.

Accessing the site comes from a controlled gate shared with other businesses, including a dance school, and requires a code.