Major plans have been submitted to knock down a Victorian school site to build a “much-needed” new special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school in an Oxfordshire town.

Applicant Tilbury Douglas has applied to the Vale of White Horse District Council for the redevelopment of Faringdon Infant School. 

The school was built in 1872 and closed down in 2022.

The plans say the new school will be for pupils aged six to 18 with special educational needs, which will be accommodated by the design and layout.

The school has been designed to cater for 104 pupil places and 60 staff.

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CGI of new school (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council) By Tuesday, October 8, no public comments had been submitted in support or objection. 

The planning statement set out how the design of the building will help pupils. 

It said: “The layout of the building has been developed through numerous iterations and engagement with The Gallery Trust which has been invaluable to the proposals.

"Each room has been carefully designed for the occupation of the students with their needs in mind, and each entrance, door, and corridor are an appropriate width for equipment such as wheelchairs. 

“The proposals include one primary classroom, nine secondary classrooms, two sixth-form classrooms, and one therapeutic base known as ‘The Gallery’.

"The school also includes subject specific rooms including a science lab, art classroom, music and drama classroom, construction workshop, vocational food classroom and fitness room.

"Larger spaces include the assembly hall, dining hall, café and sixth-form social room.”

Site plan (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council) It added: “The proposal comprises a well-designed and high-quality building, which is entirely appropriate to its context in terms of urban form and materials. 

“The building is of a scale that responds to the surrounding area and respects the amenity of neighbouring properties. Residential amenity of both existing and proposed residents is protected and a high-quality building is proposed for this location.

“On this basis, and taking into account the significant benefits arising from the scheme, it is respectfully considered that planning permission should be granted.”

Before the application was submitted, the developer sent a letter to nearby homes to inform them of the plans. 

It said: “The new school will also incorporate the latest net-zero carbon renewable energy, on-site car parking and drop-off area, retained playing field and a more pleasant environment within which to learn.

“There will also be opportunities for the facilities to be used by the community.

“A refreshed landscape with new planting and tree management will also bring about many environmental and biodiversity enhancements.”

For more details about the scheme online, search P24/V2110/FUL on the Vale of White Horse District Council planning portal.