SEN classroom at Reigate College, Castlefield Road, Reigate

“The proposed building will be located on the northern part of the college campus, replacing existing tennis courts adjacent to the car park. The site is within the urban area of Reigate and part of the wider site falls within Chart Lane Conservation Area with the main original building being Locally Listed.”

“Refused 03/00711/F Construction of new 2 storey building, 1st floor extension to existing Holmesdale block + new roof for existing Rushworth building. Approved with Conditions 05/02713/F Single storey annexe to refectory Approved with Conditions…”

“Approved with Conditions 20/02206/F Temporary single storey marquee type structure containing refectory (sitting & eating) accommodation. Approved with Conditions…”

“In view of the above the application is considered to be acceptable on design, character, neighbour amenity and all other grounds, and is therefore recommended for approval.”

“The proposal would result in the loss of the existing tennis courts within the site which are also used for netball by the college. Given the loss of the courts Sports England were consulted on the application. They did not consider that they should be consulted on the application. However, they did provide standing advice which directs the reader to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) with regard to the loss of sporting facilities. The NPPF at para 104 advises:”

“The proposal would clearly result in the loss of such a facility. The courts were in use for a netball game during a visit to site and therefore it is clear that the courts are not completely surplus to requirements. The applicant has set out that there is a netball court within the sports hall on site which would be utilised for netball games.”

“Surrey County Council Ecology: No objections subject to imposition of the standard informative…”

“Surrey County Council Highways: No objections subject to a compliance condition…”

“Letters were sent to neighbouring properties on 16 February 2026. A site notice was also placed outside the college on 18 February 2026. 16 letters of representation from local residents have been received, 15 in objection and one commenting in support. The objections raised the following main concerns:”

“Issue Response Drainage/sewage capacity See paragraphs 6.50 -6.51 Hazard to highway safety See paragraphs 6.44-6.47 Inadequate parking See paragraphs 6.44-6.47 Inconvenience during construction See paragraph 6.42 Increase in traffic and congestion See paragraphs 6.44-6.47 Flooding See paragraphs 6.50 -6.51 Noise and disturbance See paragraph 6.30 Health Fears See paragraph 6.42 Overbearing relationship See paragraphs 6.27-6.43 Overlooking and loss of privacy See paragraphs…”

“Members supported the college’s need to provide SEN provision, although they also considered the loss of sports facilities at the college. The officers’ view was that the need for SEN provision outweighed the need for sports facilities as there was other provision elsewhere.”

“It was noted that pupil numbers would not change due to the development.”

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions as per the recommendation and addendum, to include two informatives as follows:”

“To encourage the applicant to provide replacement sports facilities, and; • To encourage evergreen planting screen along western boundary…”