NO GO FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL PLANS
‘The proposed change of use would be contrary to policy of the Local Plan’ say District Council planners
PLANS for a new private school in a rural village have been refused.
Planners at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council have refused permission for the proposed change of use of garage and offices, along with the retention of a window, larger entrance door and repositioned access gates to a private school and training centre at Mill House Garage, Macclesfield Road, Rushton Spencer.
In a decision notice, planners said: “An essential need for the proposed development to be located in the open countryside has not been demonstrated.
“It would not support the rural diversification and sustainability of the rural area or promote sustainable tourism; the application site is not located within or adjacent to an existing built-up area; and it has not been demonstrated that the application site is the only practical option for the proposed development.
“The principle of the proposed development at the application site is therefore contrary to policies of the Staffordshire Moorlands Local Plan.
“The proposal would result in the loss of an employment unit which is well located to the main road and public transport network; provides good quality modern accommodation attractive to the market without harm to the amenity of nearby residents and is capable of meeting a range of employment uses to support the local economy.
“In the absence of any information which demonstrates that the site would not be suitable or viable for any continued employment use the proposed change of use would be contrary to policy of the Local Plan (2020).”
Rushton Parish Council had no objection to the proposals, but wanted to be assured that the site did not become residential. The parish council also stated that the premises were situated on a blind bend and that the safety of children must be safeguarded.
A planning statement submitted with the planning application by Aida Mcmanus on behalf of The Esland Group, the applicants, said: “The applicants operate care homes for children throughout the Midlands and wider UK and believe that there are two pathways that looked after children who may find themselves on: The Road to Ruin, (where they struggle to manage themselves or their risks) and the Road to Resilience, (where young people are supported by staff to improve their life chances and choices).
“They recognise that the way young people deal with difficult situations is often underpinned by their life experiences, which ultimately affect their level of resilience.
“The applicant’s aim is to provide a one-stop solution for the sector’s most complex and challenging children and young people.
“The planning application seeks to change of use to a private school with vocational workshop training centre and to regularise a window which was installed along with a larger entrance door and access which the owners have installed.
“The maximum number of pupils will be 20 and the majority will be between the ages of 14 -18 years old and will arrive and depart the school by taxis which are provided by the Local Authority through the tendering process.
“All pupils will be attending fulltime education between 9am3.30pm and staff will arrive around 8.30am and will generally leave by 4.30pm Monday to Friday inclusive.
“The school will follow the 39 weeks per annum for pupils learning - however staff may be working on site outside term times for training purposes the same as main stream school. When the school is at full capacity it will require 15 full time staff.”