New SEND school plans backed after concerns raised

The council received four objections to the plans for the site, including concerns over the loss of a public open space

Councillors have approved plans to build a new school for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) despite concerns being expressed about the loss of public open space.

An application to build a two-storey school on land east of Blackbrook Avenue in Warrington was given the green light by Warrington Council's development management committee.

Councillor Paul Warburton said there was an "acute need" for such provision in Warrington and this was "only likely to increase" in future.

He said he acknowledged the concerns of an objector who was worried about the loss of open space.

Warburton said trying to find land across Warrington for various projects was an "absolute nightmare".

He said this was an opportunity for the authority, as "corporate parents", to ensure that children with special educational needs in the town would be able to be educated there.

The meeting heard the loss of existing open space would, on balance, be "acceptable" due to the local need for SEND provision.

The proposals, which were approved subject to conditions, also include building a playing field, a multi-use games area (MUGA) and parking.

The school would provide 56 spaces for students aged seven to 16, with approximately 26 staff.