Vocational training centre at Kingfisher School, Clifton Close, Redditch

What was proposed

The application sought a single-storey vocational training centre for post-16 students with special educational needs, with a new access from Clifton Close.

“New single storey building and access off Clifton Close to serve as a vocational training centre for post-16 students with special educational needs, as part of Kingfisher Special School.”

Officer report

The site and building

The centre would be at the southern part of the school site, with rooms for vocational education and no extension onto the adjacent open space.

“The proposal is for a new single storey building serving a vocational training centre for post-16 students with special educational needs (SEND). The information submitted with the application confirms that the proposed extensions would not result in any increase in pupil or staff numbers and that it would not affect the current car parking arrangements at the school.”

“The extensions would be located on the most southern point of the site, and would not extend the school building on to the adjacent playing field which is classified in the Redditch Local Plan as an area of Primarily Open Space.”

Officer report

Earlier school developments

Earlier permissions covered a classroom extension, a modular classroom, replacement classrooms and a new modular classroom block.

“Classroom extension and internal alterations Granted 20.03.2015”

“21/00432/FUL New modular classroom block Granted 02.06.2021”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the proposal acceptable in principle, design, highway, environmental and biodiversity terms.

“Overall, it is considered that the proposal accords with the Policies in the Local Plan and the NPPF and is acceptable.”

“At this stage, your Officers are satisfied that parking and access is sufficient in regard to highway safety, and comments from Worcestershire County Council Highways will be included within the Update Report.”

Officer report

What a neighbour said

One neighbour submitted a neutral response raising concerns about cars, taxis, buses, students and parking around school drop-off and collection.

“Following the end of consultation, 1 neutral letter has been received by a neighbour. Some of the matters raised are non-material planning considerations and have not been reported within the Report. Their comments are summarised below:”

“- Concern around cars, taxis, buses during school drop off/pick up; - Concern over an increase in students and an increase in parking facilities.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Officers presented the report and referred Members to the presentation slides and site plans.

Members’ discussion

Members supported the application and the enhanced facilities it would provide to the school.

“Members were in support of the application and the enhanced facilities it would provide to the educational establishment.”

Minutes