A community centre in an Isle of Wight coastal town may be transformed into a facility for educating children with special educational needs.
New Forest Care has sought planning permission for a change of use of St Andrews Community Centre on St Andrews Street in Cowes.
The proposed education use is intended to provide schooling for a small number of students, with up to 10 children present at any one time, according to a statement from the applicant’s agent, Spruce Town Planning.
It says:
“The change of use is justified in this case as a result of the potential for the proposed use to help meet educational needs within the town and to provide employment for staff.
“The use of the site as an education and care facility will make an important contribution to the mix of education facilities on the Island. It therefore contributes towards the social wellbeing of the area.”
Spruce Town Planning says the use will not operate to a set timetable, owing to the needs of the children whose age range will be between 6 and 18 years old.
No external alterations are needed for the building or parking area and the character and appearance of the area will therefore be preserved, according to the consultancy.
The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on application 26/00965/FUL closes on 28th August and a decision is expected on 18th September.
