Plans for a 118-pupil school on the outskirts of Sandbach for children with special educational needs have been recommended for approval.

Witherslack Group, a leading provider of independent specialist education, wants to convert Brookside Hall at Arclid into a SEN school for children aged between five and 19 years.

The building, which was built in the late 1800s as a private home but was also once a school, has most recently been used as the regional head office for Sibelco UK.

A report from Cheshire East's planning officer to next week's meeting of the strategic planning board states: "The application site is sited in close proximity to an existing quarry, Bathgate Silica Sand, therefore consideration needs to be given regarding the impact of the proposal on the existing quarry.

"Contact has been made with a representative of Bathgate Silica Sand who confirm that there is no active mining and working of industrial sand in the area immediately adjacent to Brookside Hall."

The proposal involves changing the use of the site and buildings from the existing offices to a SEN school alongside supporting works, which includes new perimeter fencing and gates, two new MUGAs, the creation of new external doorways, the replacement of windows and the erection of solar panels.

The officer's report states: "The school would provide both primary and secondary education for approximately 118 pupils aged between five and 19 years old.

"School times would be between 8.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.

"Two new MUGAs are proposed to the west of the site, these play spaces would be available throughout the year."

Access to the school would be through the existing entrance off Congleton Road.

The on-site 133 car parking spaces will be retained.

The application will be considered by the strategic planning board at its next meeting, which starts at 10am on Wednesday, November 20, at Crewe Municipal Buildings.

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