Londonderry: New campus for Ardnashee special school approved

Work will begin on the new build later this year

A special school in Londonderry has been granted planning permission for the development of a new campus.

Ardnashee special school's application was unanimously passed by Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

The school, which is currently based in Pennyburn, will now move to the former Foyle College site on Northland Road.

Acting principal Raymond McFeeters welcomed the "huge step forward" for the new school.

"The main thing is our kids will get the facilities and the resources that they really need," he told BBC Radio Foyle.

"A lot of kids rely on sensory stimulus and on movement, we'll have a lot of sensory areas, great outdoor facilities, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool and rebound therapy suite - everything we can possibly put into that school to meet the needs of our kids and make it the best school it can be".

The school, which caters for children with special needs, will now move to the former Foyle College site on the Northland Road

It is hoped work will start in September this year and the school open in 2024.

Council members heard that the new facility aims to provide learning in a "dynamic and exciting educational environment".

The planning application will also see the construction of playgrounds, ball courts and car parking.

Councillor Christopher Jackson, who is the committee chairperson, welcomed the decision and said the news would be warmly received by everyone associated with the school.

He said this was a very positive story for the city and for the provision of state of the art education facilities for all abilities.