The proposed Balgores Special School in Gidea Park aims to offer a state-of-the-art facility for 300 pupils aged four to 19 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The plans include outdoor play spaces, a sports hall, a stage, and a therapy pool.
The development would also be available for use by the wider community outside of school hours, Havering Council said.
The proposals will now be reviewed by the planning authority before a 21-day public consultation period begins.
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A series of public engagement sessions held earlier in the summer. helped shape the school’s design, according to the council.
The school will be operated by Astrum Multi Academy Trust, who already operate a number of special schools locally.
Councillor Oscar Ford, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We are pleased that plans for Balgores School are advancing as it will bring a much-needed facility to our borough.
“It means that Havering pupils can be educated locally, benefitting from shorter travel times to the right facilities to meet their needs, while supporting the development of friendship and social groups closer to home.
“The public consultation will provide the opportunity to show how the scheme is developing as well as gain further valuable insights from the community before the plans go to the planning committee later in the year.”
Galliford Try, a construction company, has been awarded the design and build contract for the new school.
Gavin Bridge, managing director at Galliford Try Building Southern, said: “Galliford Try is pleased to have collaborated with London Borough of Havering and the Astrum Trust over the past 10 months in shaping the vision for this much-needed school and community facility, which will play a vital role in addressing the area’s under-served provision.”
The new school project is fully funded by a Department for Education grant, which is expected to reduce the travel costs incurred by the council and save money for the borough.
The application is expected to be reviewed by the council’s strategic planning committee, with a decision anticipated before the end of the year.
