Objections against Riseley school plans

A CONSULTATION period for plans for a special education school in Riseley has ended, with a number of objections received from residents.

Plans submitted to Wokingham Borough Council requested a change in use – from office use to education use – for Napoleon House in Riseley Business Park.

A statement from Alder King planning consultants on behalf of Outcomes First Group, said the proposed school would provide an education setting to meet the needs of about 64 children with autistic spectrum disorders.

It said the school would provide the opportunity for children to be educated and supported in smaller groups by specialist teachers in an appropriate setting, seeking to maximise their learning opportunities.

It added how the school, if approved, will help meet both the existing and future needs for specialist education in Berkshire and surrounding areas, reducing both the number of children needing to travel ‘out of area’ to find an appropriate education environment and overcrowding in existing settings.

The property had been marketed for several years but with limited interest.

Objections against the plans cited increased levels of traffic and disturbance.

The site within the Riseley Business Park comprises a number of two-storey buildings that were formerly used as offices, some of which have been converted to residential use.

The proposed school would be registered with Ofsted for about 60 students and would have an estimated 40 staff.

It would be operated by Outcomes First Group, an established company that provides specialist education for individuals with autistic spectrum disorders.

The consultation closed March 21.

Planners and councillors will make the final decision in due course.