PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are studying proposals to convert a former children’s day nursery into a specialist school for children with emotional and mental health issues whose needs are not met by mainstream schools.
The scheme involves the former Wind in the Willows Nursery in Gordon Avenue, Woolston – which was originally built as a community library in the latter part of the 20th century.
No building work would be involved in the change of use.
Applicants Valour Park Ltd say the building was converted to a children’s day nursery some time between 2011 and 2013.
The existing site has limited areas of landscaping and these would be maintained and enhanced, although due to space constraints it was not expected that the extent of landscaping works would be increased. The overall appearance of the building would be unaltered, except for changes to signage, and possible changes in colour as part of any maintenance and redecoration works.
The proposed main entrance would remain as existing on Gordon Avenue. Car parking would be unchanged. Access control would be introduced to control access into and throughout the building. This would be supplemented by full coverage CCTV to provide security and also assist in the safeguarding of students and staff
The proposed change of use would allow the sustainable re-purpose of an existing community building with no visible alterations.
The provision of a specialist education setting would satisfy a growing need for places for students whose needs are not met by mainstream schooling, and who are too often neglected entirely or placed in environments with students who have more severe learning or physical difficulties.
A reduction in overall occupancy would result in a reduced load on the existing facilities and a reduction in expected car visits over the course of the day.
The new Social, Emotional and Mental Health School would offer places to children aged between 10 and 16 years of age.
