(UK) N. Norfolk council to decide on expanding special school; 'an area of significant need'

Feb 16, 2022, Lynn News: Officials back school proposal for King's Lynn community centre https://www.lynnnews.co.uk/news/officials-back-school-proposal-for-kings-lynn-community-cen-9240583/

E. England Children with special educational needs would be put at the heart of the community if plans to expand their Lynn school get the go-ahead, a trust has claimed. Proposals for the Churchill Park School to provide sixth form education from the nearby Fairstead Community Centre will be put before borough councillors next week. And officials have urged them to back the plan, describing it as an “essential, community use” for the site. The plan, which has already been backed by regional education chiefs, would allow the school to use part of the existing centre to accommodate up to 20 students. A report to a special meeting of West Norfolk Council’s planning committee next Thursday said the plan would allow for more placements for youngsters with complex needs to be provided for Lynn and West Norfolk, which is described as “an area of significant need”…. The papers said students would be taken to and from the centre by minibus. And planning officials said the application did meet policy guidelines. They added: “Whilst the proposal will result in the loss of one community facility, the new proposed use is also considered to be an essential, educational, community use.”