Plans have been approved that will see a new school established on a business park.
Wokingham Borough Council has approved an application for a change of use for Napoleon House in Riseley Business Park despite objections from a number of local residents.
The plans requested a change in use – from office use to education use – for the property that has been vacant for several years.
A statement from Alder King planning consultants on behalf of Outcomes First Group, said the proposed school will 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 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 about 40 staff.
It would be operated by Outcomes First Group, an established company that provides specialist education for individuals with autistic spectrum disorders.
The decision was made on June 18, 2024.
To learn more, search planning application 240150 on Wokingham Borough Council’s planning portal.
