Specialist education centre at 8B Saddlers Court, Barleythorpe

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a first-floor office into education for secondary-aged pupils with medical needs, with up to 20 pupils and six staff.

“EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This application seeks planning permission for the change of use of an existing office building (office) to Class F.1(a) (education). The proposal aims to establish an alternative educational provision for secondary-aged pupils (11–16 years) who are unable to attend mainstream schools due to medical needs. The site is well-situated within an established office park, with appropriate access and parking provision.”

“The office park itself is accessed from the north via Maresfield Road. To the south and west of the site are residential properties, while to the east are industrial units. Outside the building is parking provision for the office park. Proposal 5. The proposal is for a change of use of the first floor from an office (class E) to education (class F.1 (a)).”

Officer report

The site

The unit is within a two-storey office building in an office park, with shared access, existing parking and nearby homes and industrial units.

“Site & Surroundings 1. The site (unit 8b) is the first floor of a two-storey brick/timber clad office building located in Barleythorpe within the Oakham North Urban Extension. It forms part of a group of buildings of matching scale and design within an office park. The unit is approximately 28 metres long and 11 metres wide.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions controlling commencement, plans, pupil numbers, education use and parking.

“RECOMMENDATION APPROVAL, subject to the following conditions:”

“The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in accordance with the details shown on the submitted plans, labelled: • Location Plan 1:1250 • Proposed Floorplans • Parking Plan, Drawing no. V4-201L”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

The proposal would provide local specialist education, reduce out-of-county placements and offer wider public benefits while having limited effect on employment land.

“The proposed change of use from office (Class E) to education (Class F.1(a)) constitutes a modest reallocation of employment land and is not considered to materially affect the overall supply or quality of employment land within the County. The building forms part of a larger office park and, in terms of scale, represents a minor component of the wider employment provision in the area.”

“Overall, the wider public benefits of the proposal are considered to outweigh the limited impact on employment land, and the scheme is consistent with the objectives of Policy CS13.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority accepted the parking arrangements subject to a condition, while the parish council welcomed using the unit but noted parking concerns.

“Highway Authority Initial holding objection seeking further information regarding parking provision. Following submission of further information – No obection, subject to condition for parking provision in accordance with the submitted information.”

“Barleythorpe Parish Council This application represents an opportunity to utilise this unit. Parking may be an issue depending on number of students at any one time. Neighbour Representations…”

Officer report

Neighbour comments

A neighbour did not object but asked that any smoking area should not be near the shared boundary.

“Below is a summary of the comments. Full details can be viewed on the Council’s website. (https://publicaccess.rutland.gov.uk/online- applications/?_ga=2.69299920.1503643438.1693558555-1954588303.1693558555)”

“One comment from the neighbour – stating no objection to the use, but requests that if a smoking area is proposed that it not be located near the shared boundary.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The principal planning officer introduced the application and recommended approval, explaining its educational and social inclusion benefits.

Members’ questions

Members were told that lift access would be available for pupils with medical needs and that sufficient parking, including disabled spaces, would be provided.

“In response to committee questions from Members, officers confirmed that the facility would have lift access for pupils with medical needs and that sufficient parking, including disabled spaces, would be provided. No objections were received from neighbouring properties.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor R Payne proposed approval, and the motion was unanimously carried with nine votes in favour.

“It was proposed by Councillor R Payne and seconded that the application be approved subject to the conditions in the report.”

“Upon being put to the vote, with nine votes in favour, the motion was unanimously carried.”

Minutes