We submitted a planning application for this scheme in January 2026. Included in this application was a Statement of Community Involvement, which summarised the public consultation process and results, as follows:
7. Statement of Community Involvement
7.1. Prior to the submission of this application, a public consultation was undertaken to ascertain public opinion of the proposed development. This involved a letter drop with a feedback form that was distributed to the local community and key stakeholders in November 2025. This outlined the proposed development and gave the opportunity for residents to respond to the questionnaire. The consultation received 85 responses, with 78% of the respondents showing support for the proposed development. A public exhibition was also held in Charlton House in December 2025 to allow the public to express any views.
7.2. Key themes for support included the strong need for local SEND provision that allows children to remain close to home and that the proposed school would result in a positive reuse of an existing vacant building. Some concerns were raised, including parking and traffic concerns as well as loss of green space and the proximity to elderly and medically vulnerable residents. It was considered that the noise raised by the proposed development may have negative impacts on the neighbouring elderly residents.
7.3. The concerns raised have been carefully considered in the final design of the development to prevent any potential issues. This includes through the design and layout of the overall site to ensure the development is in line with council requirements on parking and green infrastructure. Additionally, the separation of Charlton House and Hawthorn Court to prevent any issues that may arise from the proximity to elderly residents. The development has been designed to locate any potential amenity issues away from Hawthorn Court.