Arson-hit old school could be redeveloped
DEMOLITION OF FOUR OF THE BLOCKS ON SITE
FORMER special needs school damaged by fire in an arson attack last year could be redeveloped.
No plans have yet been put forward for a potential future use of the land associated with Birkett House School, in Wigston.
However, Leicestershire County Council’s planning department said there were “very few potential development sites” in the area, and the land in question “hosts a plethora of enhancement opportunities”.
The comments were made as the authority approved its own application for the demolition of four of the school buildings.
The council said:
“While the current application does not include proposals for redevelopment at the site, the clearance of firedamaged Blocks A, D and H, as well as Block G, would enable such redevelopment to take place at a later date.”
For three of those blocks, the approval is retroactive.
The main school building, its later extension and a storage area - Blocks A, D and H respectively - were badly damaged in the arson attack last year. Three boys, aged 12, 14 and 15, were later arrested on suspicion of starting the fire.
The three buildings were subject to emergency demolition work shortly after the attack. They had been deemed structurally unsafe, at risk of collapse and there were fears they could be releasing asbestos.
The work was therefore permitted in the interest of public health and safety, without the normal permisA sions needing to be obtained beforehand. The fourth building, Block G, is a mobile teaching unit.
It was untouched by the fire, planning documents show, but is now “considered to be in the latter part of its lifespan” and “considered to be of no beneficial use”.
The council also fears its derelict state could make it a target for further attacks.
The authority said granting its removal would “reduce the risk of attracting further criminal activity at the site and wider area, thus promoting a safer space”.
Moreover, removing Block G would “preserve and enhance” the appearance of the conservation area in which the site is located, it added.
Originally, Leicestershire County Council wanted to tear down all of the remaining buildings on site.
However, plans were amended to retain the hostel, sensory building and gas meter housing “due to uncertainty regarding the potential future use of the site”.
These buildings all remain in a stable condition, according to the council.
A planning condition has been attached to the approval requiring the site to remain in an acceptable state through post-demolition management and maintenance.
Granting its removal would “reduce the risk of attracting further criminal activity at the site”
Council