Specialist school could 'plug gaps in education system' -- latest Mansfield plans
Offices at a business centre in Mansfield could soon be turned into a specialist school for youngsters unable to go to mainstream schools.
A planning application has been received by Mansfield District Council for a change of use at the DJN UK Centre on Southwell Road West.
It has been submitted by teacher Eloise Barnett, who is the founder and director of Phoenix ND Education Ltd, a company that specialises in alternative teaching for pupils with additional needs.
A planning statement by Phoenix ND reads: “An increasing number of young people in Mansfield are struggling to access mainstream schooling due to a variety of personal and educational challenges.
"By providing a dedicated educational environment for these individuals, the proposed school would support their social, emotional and academic development.
"This would help to address the gaps in the local education system, ensuring that all young people have access to the education they need to succeed.”
No external alterations would me made to the building, which was last used as the base for a minicab business and a security firm.
If approved, the new school would be open from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm Mondays to Fridays and create five full-time jobs, as well as two part-time.
It would cater for up to 15 students, aged 11 to 18, who would be funded by the local authority or by local mainstream schools.
The building would include classrooms, support spaces, include counselling and welfare areas, and catering facilities to teach life-skills.
The statement concludes: “This change of use would provide much-needed alternative educational facilities in Mansfield.
"The building is well-suited to the proposed use, and the development would contribute positively to the local community.”
The council’s planning officers have set a deadline date of Tuesday May 6 to make a decision or recommendation.
Other planning applications received by Mansfield Council include these:
42 Newport Crescent, Mansfield – single storey extension at side and rear.
15 Maltby Road, Mansfield – single-storey rear extension.
15 Stanton Place, Mansfield – front porch extension/alteration.
11 Rockcliffe Grange, Mansfield – work to tree covered by preservation order.
132 Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield – change of use from car rental to hand car-wash.
17 Birkland Avenue, Warsop – demolition of existing conservatory and construction of single-storey rear extension.
17 Old Newark Road, Mansfield – proposed demolition of conservatory and double garage, and proposed extension to side, rear and first floor.
61 Southwell Road East, Mansfield – single-storey rear extension.
90 Raylawn Street, Mansfield – porch at front, and extension to dormer window.
10 Winthorpe Street, Mansfield – external insulation with render finish at front, rear and side.
4 Parkland Close, Mansfield – proposed energy-efficient reconstruction of fire-damaged dwelling, including roof replacement with partial roof extension over garage and dormer window and porch at front.
2B Black Scotch Lane, Mansfield – work to tree covered by preservation order.
Manor Farm, 2 Manor Road, Warsop – listed building consent for render finish to stable.
23 Debdale Lane, Mansfield – two-storey rear extension, replacement of garage door with full-height, glazed window and render of existing brick facade.
Cherry Lodge, Cherry Lane, off High Oakham Road, Mansfield – work to two trees covered by preservation order.
3 Hermitage Way, Mansfield – two-year temporary planning permission for storage container to front of unit.