(UK) Rochdale: Possible 40 place special school; "increasing number of referrals"

May 6, 2025, Roch Valley Radio: New special needs school could be built on industrial estate

NW England

A new temporary special needs school could be built on an industrial estate in Middleton.

Meadows School says their current site in Rochdale, which caters for young people with educational, social, emotional, behavioural difficulties, is no longer fit for purpose. The Egerton House building, off Wardle Road, is too small and lacks outdoor space, according to the independent school.

With an increasing number of referrals to their school, they feel a new location is needed to improve their service for children. . . .

It would be able to cater for a maximum of 40 pupils aged 11 to 17.

If plans for the temporary school are approved, the site would become Meadows School’s home for the next 15 years. After the 15 years is up, it is expected the site will go back into industrial use once again.

Planning papers read: “The School is relocating from their existing premises at Egerton House, Wardle Road in Rochdale, which is no longer fit for purpose. The applicant is receiving an increase in referrals and are therefore required to expand as a school. . . .. 

It is up to Rochdale Council’s planning team to make a final decision on the proposal.