Cowes Community Centre Could Become SEN Education Facility

A vacant community centre in Cowes could be converted into a specialist education facility for children with special educational needs.

New Forest Care has applied to change the use of St Andrews Community Centre on St Andrews Street.

The plans would provide education for up to 10 children at any one time.

The application is due to be considered by Isle of Wight Council's planning committee next Tuesday (October 13).

Council officers are recommending that permission is granted, subject to conditions relating to flood risk and compliance with planning requirements.

A planning report says bringing the empty building back into use would provide “much needed” SEN provision, without having an unacceptable impact on neighbouring properties, the character of the area, road safety or flood risk.

The applicant's planning agent, Spruce Town Planning, says the scheme would help meet educational needs in Cowes and provide employment for staff.

Neither Island Roads nor Cowes Town Council has objected to the plans.

Councillors will consider application 26/00965/FUL at County Hall from 4pm on October 13.