SEN school at Westfield Community Centre, Hinckley

What was proposed

The application sought to change the community facility into an SEN school for 75 pupils and 40 staff, with parking and landscaping formalised.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of the existing community facility (Use Class F2) to a Special Educational Needs School (Use Class F1).”

“The proposed The SEN school would accommodate 75 pupils and 40 staff on site over a three-year staged intake period. The incremental increase would occur over three years, starting with 30 pupils in the first year, rising to 75 pupils in year three, allowing operational procedures to be properly applied to the site.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The centre is in a mixed residential and educational area, with existing buildings, parking, nearby schools and access from Rosemary Way.

“Westfield Community Centre is located on Rosemary Way in the Westfield area of Hinckley, approximately one mile west of Hinckley town centre. The site is positioned within a mixed residential and educational area and is accessible via Coventry Road and Rosemary Way. Public transport connections are available nearby, with local amenities within walking distance.”

“The centre is set within a well-established residential suburb, characterised by family homes and local schools, notably Westfield Infant and Junior Schools. Westfield Community Centre is recognised as a community facility within the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A replacement floodlight at the rear of the community centre was permitted in 2022.

“21/01505/FUL • Replacement of existing floodlight with new floodlight to the rear of community centre • Permitted • 17.05.2022”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal would provide significant SEN education benefits, have a neutral visual effect and avoid unacceptable highway or amenity impacts.

“Officers therefore acknowledge that the need and demand for SEN school services in Leicestershire is clear, and the public benefit of this proposal is significant.”

“Therefore, whilst the new use of the building may not specifically provide an equivalent range of community facilities, Officers consider that the benefits of providing a SEN school in a sustainable location would appropriately mitigate the loss of the community facility.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection, while environmental health sought kitchen ventilation details, which officers addressed through a condition.

“Additional information requested regarding the kitchen ventilation to ensure that noise/smell is not a problem for neighbouring residents.”

“Officer comment: a condition has been included to ensure that details of the kitchen ventilation are submitted to and approved by the LPA prior to first use of the facility. Policy…”

Officer report

Public comments

One neutral representation raised concerns about noise, smoking, lighting, collection and drop-off arrangements, deliveries and parking.

“Concern regarding potential noise and disturbance. • Question regarding the location of a smoking area • Clarification regarding external lighting • Clarification regarding collection and drop off points • Query regarding dedicated delivery areas • Question whether parking provision is sufficient…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke to the committee.

Committee discussion

A member asked the Head of Planning to review including a construction and environmental management plan condition.

“A member requested that the Head of Planning be asked to review the request for a planning condition for a construction and environmental management plan to be included. It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Lynch and…”

Minutes

The committee’s resolution

Councillor Bray moved and Councillor Lynch seconded a resolution to grant permission subject to the officer’s report and late-item conditions.

“RESOLVED – Permission be granted subject to the conditions contained in the officer’s report and late items.”

Minutes