Expansion plans for Blackpool SEND school given the go ahead
A school has been given planning permission to create extra classrooms as part of a multi-million pound scheme
A Blackpool school which serves children with complex learning needs has been given planning permission to create extra classrooms as part of a multi-million pound scheme.
Park School, off Whitegate Drive, is an ‘outstanding’ designated special school which caters for pupils aged 2 to 19 with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including autism, moderate to severe learning difficulties, and complex needs.
The school, which has more than 320 pupils, applied to Blackpool Council planners for permission to build a part two storey, part single storey extension to the southern side and a single storey extension to the eastern side.
It has now been given the green light to erect the new extensions to create classrooms, a staffroom and an entrance porch alongside new elevational treatment to buildings and provision of ramp access, all in relation to the school’s Stables building.
The scheme, an amendment of plans previously approved in 2024, will now ensure more pupils can attend lessons in their home town.
The work will also include reconfiguration of the external playground area, cladding of part of the existing main building and provision of new fencing and new gates.
A delegated report from the planning officer stated: “Economically, the scheme would support the improvement of the education facilities and some short term local employment would be created during the works.
“Environmentally, the appearance of the scheme would be acceptable subject to conditions and no unacceptable drainage or environmental impacts are identified. Measures have been taken to manage the impact on trees and bats.
“Socially, the proposed development would not have any unacceptable impacts on residential amenity. It would support the overall improvement of the site.
A covering letter from the school stated: “This development will help to meet Blackpool Council’s intentions of accommodating children with more complex learning needs within schools in the borough.
“This will help to build a sense of community and remove barriers to education exacerbated by a need to travel outside of the borough to attend school.
“The proposals will enable learners to have an inclusive space which caters to their requirements, allowing them to fulfil their potential within a high quality and well designed facility.”