SEND education unit at Bulmershe School Chequers Way, Woodley

What was proposed

A detached single-storey modular building would provide specialist accommodation for about 25 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

“4) The proposal comprises a single-storey modular Cognition & Learning (C&L) Resource Base providing specialist accommodation for approximately 25 pupils. The building contains one larger classroom for whole-group teaching, several smaller classrooms and resource rooms, small-group and sensory/intervention spaces, a Kitchen/Life Skills area, staff workspace, hygiene and WC facilities, plant, storage and associated support areas.”

“6) The unit would accommodate a total of 25 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. When the unit is fully occupied, there will also be an additional 8 members of staff working within the building.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is within a mixed educational and leisure campus with school buildings, playing fields, sports courts and an underused green area.

“1) The application site consists of Bulmershe School which is located on Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, within a mixed educational and leisure campus that includes Addington School, Goals Reading, the Bulmershe Leisure Centre and accompanying sports facilities. The wider setting is suburban, with established green space, extensive playing fields and clusters of school buildings forming a well-established educational environment.”

“2) The school buildings comprise a mixture of historic brick blocks, later modular additions and community sports buildings, including the Table Tennis Club and gym. The surrounding outdoor environment features large areas of playing field, sports courts and informal grassed space, including the underused green area selected for the new SEND unit.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

An earlier application for a building within the school grounds for the Kingfisher Table Tennis Club was approved in 2013.

“Application Number Proposal Decision 131229 Erection of building within the grounds of The Bulmershe School for use by Kingfisher Table Tennis Club Approved 25/07/2013”

Officer report

Who spoke

Oliver Gill of Wokingham Borough Council spoke in support, citing a borough-wide deficit and support from parents and families.

What councillors discussed

Councillors discussed tree removal and breeding seasons, pupil drop-offs, the drop-off point and the access route.

“Removal of urban trees and whether the breeding season would be avoided. • Dropping off of pupils at the school and the location of the drop off point. • Clarification was sought regarding the access route.”

“In response to a Councillor question regarding pupil drop offs, Officers stated that a Travel Plan was conditioned, and that drop offs would form part of the Travel Plan.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the stated conditions and informatives, with condition 8 amended.

“RESOLVED: That application 260423 be approved subject to the conditions and informatives detailed in pages 52 to 57 and amended condition 8.”

Minutes