Disappointment as legal challenge threatens to delay special school opening

EDUCATION bosses are “deeply disappointed” by legal action that could delay the opening of a £14million special school in Clevedon until September 2024.

The judicial review disputes the planning and appropriation processes followed by the North Somerset Council to secure land in Brookfield Walk that is beloved by residents.

The authority says there is no merit in the claim but accepts that it would not be appropriate to begin building work until the court has considered the application.

The £14million project will accommodate 85 pupils in a second site for Baytree School in Weston-super-Mare that had been due to open in September 2023.

Campaigners have fought it every step of the way, opposing the planning application, calling into question the council’s decision to choose the site and trying to secure legal protection for the land.

An online fundraiser trying to secure £15,000 to cover legal fees for the judicial review says: “Having exhausted all avenues for compromise through thousands of petition letters and over 1,000 objections to the plans, my legal representatives have advised that this is the only way forward.

“North Somerset Council and councils alike should not use green belt and public open space as free land.”

It says the open space is an invaluable asset for the community and the importance of protecting it has “never been greater”.

With 15 days to go on the fundraiser, some £2,420 has been pledged.

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, the council’s executive member for children’s services and lifelong learning, said: “I am deeply disappointed for our special educational needs community and for everyone who has worked so hard to make this school expansion a reality.”