PLANS for the second phase of a scheme to convert the former Woolston High School at Warrington into a special educational needs school are to go before the borough council’s development management committee next week – with an officers’ recommendation of approval.
The proposals – put forward by the borough council itself – involve refurbishment of an existing single and two storey building and the erection of two single storey blocks.
This involves part demolition and re-development of some existing buildings.
A report to go before the committee sets out the history of planning applications at the school, including various proposals for extensions between 1974 and 2010 and approval of the first phase of the current plan, earlier this year.
Interestingly, it makes no mention of the controversial application to re-vamp the school for use by the King’s Leadership Academy – Warrington’s first Free School – which was thrown out by the committee at the end of June.
This plan was refused on the grounds it would involve the loss of green space and damage the residential amenity of nearby houses – despite the committee being warned that its decision would be unlikely to stand up to an appeal.
But the borough council has made no secret of its opposition to free schools.
King’s Leadership Academy is currently operating from temporary classrooms adjoining Bruche Primary School.
Supporters of the academy have described the decision as “farcical” and at the time parents of youngsters at the school were informed that an appeal would be lodged.
The original plan was for King’s to open at the former high school site in September next year.
According to the report to go before the committee next week, the council’s new proposals will not result in the loss of playing fields or urban green space as the land to be developed is that which accommodates the existing school buildings.
PLANS for the second phase of a scheme to convert the former Woolston
High School at Warrington into a special educational needs school are to
go before the borough council’s development management committee next
week – with an officers’ recommendation of approval.
Council presses on with special school plan
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
