SEND school at Sports Ground, Balgores Lane, Romford

A new SEND school

The application sought a new special educational needs school for 300 pupils aged 4 to 19, with a sports pitch, car parking and landscaping.

“The report before Members detailed an application that sought planning permission for the erection of a part single, part two storey building with a total floor area of 6339m2 (GIA) to provide a new 38 classroom Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school for both primary and secondary students with associated access and car parking, informal and formal play space, hard multipurpose games pitch (MUGA), hard and soft landscaping.”

“The school will have a capacity for 300 pupils aged 4-19 years (Key Stage 1 to 5), students with complex learning needs serving children from Havering’s local community, and 218 members of staff would be employed on the site to support its operation.”

Minutes

Councillors raised process and safety concerns

A ward councillor said consultation had been inadequate and raised traffic safety concerns, while another questioned drop-off arrangements and the sports pitch's community use.

Oversight beyond the council

Officers confirmed the application would also need approval from the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State, so the council would not be the sole decision-maker.

“Officers also clarified that safeguards were in place including referral to the Secretary of State and the Mayor of London ensuring the Council would not act as sole decision-maker.”

Minutes

Members queried travel and parking

Members questioned travel plan assumptions and whether only 29 parking spaces were enough for 218 staff, and officers said reduced parking followed transport policy.

“Members discussed assumptions in the travel plan noting that the report on page 60 assumes an 85/15 split between minibus and car travel with no allowance for public transport use. A sensitivity test based on a 50/50 split was mentioned but not included in the report, prompting questions about its omission. Officers clarified that this will be addressed through a condition requiring submission and approval of a detailed travel plan, which will also be reviewed by TfL.”

“Members raised questions about the adequacy of parking provision noting that staff numbers were significantly higher than the number of proposed parking bays. Concerns were expressed about potential overspill parking in surrounding streets and the impact on local residents.”

Minutes

Members considered extra controls on the sports pitch

Members discussed adding conditions to manage the shared sports pitch and a Community Use Agreement to limit impact on neighbours.

“The Committee explored whether an additional planning condition should be imposed to ensure stronger management controls over the MUGA, specifically to minimise any potential amenity impacts on neighbouring occupiers. Officers advised that while existing conditions already covered lighting, noise and community use, it would nevertheless be permissible for Members to add a bespoke condition relating to the management of the MUGA if they considered it necessary.”

“Further reference was made to the Community Use Agreement, which would regulate public access to the sports facilities. Officers confirmed that the agreement submitted with the application was only a draft and would be fully finalised and discharged through the conditions process following approval. All such documents would be publicly accessible.”

Minutes

Safety for pick-up and drop-off

Members stressed safety during pick-up and drop-off, and officers said staggered times, designated waiting areas and school transport would be secured by condition.

“Members stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of students, particularly during pick up and drop off periods. Officers explained that most pupils would travel by council provided buses or accessible transport, and that staggered arrival and departure times together with designated waiting arrangements for vehicles formed part of the submitted travel plan. These management measures would also be secured through planning conditions.”

Minutes

Permission granted by 3 votes to 2 abstentions

The committee resolved to grant permission subject to conditions, with 3 votes in favour and 2 abstentions.

“Following the debate, the Committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to the report conditions and additional condition discussed.”

“The vote for approval, was carried by 3 votes for, to 2 abstentions.”

Minutes