SEN school extensions at Lady Zia Wernher School Leagrave, Luton

What was proposed

The application sought internal remodelling, small elevation and window changes, two extensions, parking, play and drop-off areas for Phase 2 of a SEN school.

“25/00914/MMAMD Subject: Internal remodelling of the existing building along with minor elevation and fenestration changes and construction of two new extensions, parking, play and drop off area, to form Phase 2 of a new SEN school at the former Leagrave Educational Training Centre. Minor Material amendment of planning permission no. 23/00957/REG3 dated 27th February 2024.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a large educational building, landscaping, parking and trees, with a brook to the north and homes and schools nearby.

“Background The Site and Surroundings 3. The application site is occupied by a large educational building surrounded by soft landscaping, a large car parking area and a number of trees. Lewsey Brook, a tributary of the River Lea, bounds the north of the site.”

“Residential development lies to the north and east with Leagrave Primary School to the west. A housing development for 48 houses has been substantially completed to the south.”

Officer report

Earlier use and permissions

The building was formerly an infant school and later a training and conference venue, while permissions for school phases one and two were granted in 2023 and 2024.

“Site History 8. The existing building was originally an Infant School, this School was closed in 1998 following the amalgamation of the infant school with the junior school to form Leagrave Primary School. Leagrave Primary School is located across the road directly opposite the application site.”

“The application site had been used as a training/conference venue with ancillary office accommodation (planning use class E) under the ownership of Luton Council for at least 10 years prior to 2023.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the amendments acceptable because they met educational need, fitted the approved scheme, protected neighbours and added no traffic demand.

“The proposed amendments would not result in any increase in pupil or staff numbers and therefore would not generate any additional traffic demand. As such, the scheme does not alter the established trip profile associated with Phase 2 of the development. The Local Highway Authority has been consulted and has confirmed that no highway implications are anticipated and has raised no objections to the proposal.”

“The amendments do not increase pupil or staff numbers and therefore do not alter the established traffic demand; accordingly, the Local Highway Authority raised no objections, and no highway impacts are anticipated. The development meets an identified educational need and delivers improved facilities without unacceptable effects on neighbouring amenity.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Technical consultees raised no significant issues, while one neighbour objected over parking, highway safety, congestion and wider effects on local roads.

“Facts of the Application Material Site Details Strategic Allocation: N/A Conservation Area: N/A Setting of a Listed Building: N/A Flood Risk Zone: Flood Zone 1 Other: N/A Sustainability Car Parking: Existing Provision: Approved in earlier schemes Proposed Provision: Approved in earlier schemes Cycle Parking: Existing Provision: Approved in earlier schemes Proposed Provision: Approved in earlier schemes Public Transport: Proximity of Train Station: 848 m Proximity of Busway:…”

“Consultation Responses Technical Consultation 7. The application was notified to technical consultees, and no significant issues have been raised regarding the development. Statutory Public Consultation 8. The application was notified to 25 neighbouring properties, and a site notice was displayed. One representation has been received to date, raising concerns regarding, parking, highway safety, and other impacts on the local road network.”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no requests to speak under the right to speak procedure.

The decision

The application was approved, with planning permission granted subject to the listed conditions and delegated authority for minor wording changes.

“Resolved: (i) That the application as set out in the report (Ref 10) be approved. (ii) That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 of the report (Ref 10). (iii) That delegated authority is granted to the Head of Planning to make minor alterations to the wording conditions, including adding and deleting conditions, following any Committee resolution to grant permission (should any be required).”

Minutes