Havering Council’s strategic planning committee is expected to grant permission for the construction of Balgores Special School at a meeting next Thursday (December 11).
The new school, proposed for the Balgores Field site next to the former Gidea Park Library, will stretch to more than 6,000 metres sq and consist of 38 new classrooms in total.
Pupils from the age of four up to 19 would be catered for in distinct zones to meet the needs of different year groups, up to a maximum capacity of 300 students.
READ MORE: Future proposals for three former libraries in Havering REVEALED
Other facilities mentioned in the plans include a cafe, performance space, hydrotherapy pool and enterprise hub – some of which are intended to be available for the community to use outside of school hours.
Despite Sport England raising an objection to the plans, due to the loss of a playing field, a proposed multipurpose games pitch for the new school is considered by the council to mitigate this.
A council report published ahead of the planning meeting reveals this pitch would also be available for wider community use, which the report describes as bringing “significant benefits” to the area.
READ MORE: Balgores SEND School, Gidea Park more details revealed
The report said: “This development would provide a specialised educational facility which on the basis of evidence submitted appears to be urgently needed to meet basic need provision now and in the future.
“It considered that the new school has been both designed in a way to best meet the needs of pupils whilst respecting existing local character.”
The former Gidea Park Library, adjacent to the Balgores Special School site, is also planned to be redeveloped to support children with disabilities.
A council cabinet meeting next Wednesday (December 10) will discuss proposals for a new six-person accommodation at the site, as well as potential future uses for the Harold Wood and South Hornchurch Libraries.
