By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to turn a Mansfield home into a training centre and independent school for children with special educational needs could be given the go-ahead.
Education provider R.E.A.L. Education, headquartered in the town, has submitted the plans to the district council for Debdale House, off Debdale Lane in Mansfield Woodhouse.
If approved, the plans would see the current property, used as a home and in a wider housing development, transformed into an education centre for children aged seven to 14 who have autism and mobility problems.
It comes as the provider looks to meet the growing demand for this form of education in the Mansfield area, with the plans put forward to address a “local need”.
Members of Mansfield District Council’s planning committee are recommended to approve the plans during a meeting on August 1.
Documents published ahead of the meeting state the school is expected to support up to 35 pupils and have 15 members of staff, however, the staff numbers could be lower depending on the requirements of the children.
In changing the existing Debdale House building, the applicant is proposing to remove the existing garage door and create an access ramp.
Six classrooms would be provided over the two floors of the building, with an additional kitchen, dining room, common room and reception office also proposed.
Papers state the building has a long driveway and an existing turning area for cars, with 10 car parking spaces – including two disabled bays and two electric charging ports – to be created in this area.
The applicant expects all pupils and staff will access the school via taxi, car or cycling rather than by bus, with minibuses only used for school trips.
In recommending approval for the plans, the council’s planning department said: “The proposal would involve the re-use of an existing building within the countryside and secure the provision of additional school places for children with special needs, for which there is a recognised demand in the area.
“The scheme would also provide employment opportunities and therefore secure some economic benefits.
“In addition, it would preserve the character and appearance of the area and the setting of a nearby heritage asset.”
In statements submitted to the authority, R.E.A.L. Education added: “This new provision will address the requirements for vulnerable young people and their families.
“[It will provide] what will be a specialist school focused on supporting those young people through tailored educational pathways, in order for them to make a positive transition into employment, and becoming a valued and motivated contributor within their local community.
“[It] provides a safe and secure environment for vulnerable learners … whose educational opportunities have previously been limited by the constraints of their identified disability and the lack of appropriate learning venues.”
