Thumbs up for new special school

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have given the thumbs-up to a major plan to convert a former high school into a special educational needs school.
The scheme involves conversion and refurbishment of the former Woolston High School, in Holes Lane, Woolston .
Members of the borough council’s development management committee voted unanimously in favour of the scheme – the second phase of a project to convert the former high school.
Cllr Sheila Woodyatt said: “This is a fantastic proposal and will result in a 21st century facility which is very much needed.”
The refurbished school will provide new accommodation for Fox Wood and Green Lane special schools and a post-16 unit to form a new special educational needs school.
Part of the old high school building will be demolished as part of the scheme.
Plans for the first phase of the work were approved earlier this year.
But another proposal for the site, to provide accommodation for the King’s Leadership Academy – Warrington’s first Free School, was rejected at the end of June on the grounds it would involve the loss of green space and damage the residential amenity of nearby houses.
The new scheme will result in the old high school being re-built, with existing playing fields remaining untouched.
As a result, there will be no loss of playing fields or urban green space.
The committee was told there was no perceived detrimental impact on surrounding properties, the character of the street scene, landscape features, playing fields or existing off-street parking.
King’s Leadership Academy is currently operating from temporary classrooms adjoining Bruche Primary School.
It had originally hoped to move to the Woolston site in September next year but now looks certain to have to seek an alternative site.