Cowes Community Centre Could Become Special Educational Needs Facility

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

New Forest Care has submitted a planning application to change the use of St Andrews Community Centre in St Andrews Street, with proposals to provide education and care services from the site.

The plans would see the building used to support a small number of pupils, with a maximum of 10 children attending at any one time.

The applicant’s planning agent, Spruce Town Planning, said the change of use would help meet local educational needs while also creating employment opportunities.

A statement submitted with the application said:

"The change of use is justified in this case as a result of the potential for the proposed use to help meet educational needs within the town and to provide employment for staff.

"The use of the site as an education and care facility will make an important contribution to the mix of education facilities on the Island.

"It therefore contributes towards the social wellbeing of the area."

The proposed facility would cater for children aged between six and 18 years old and would not operate on a fixed timetable, due to the individual needs of those attending.

No changes are planned to the outside of the building or the existing parking area, with the applicant stating the character of the surrounding area would remain unchanged.

The Isle of Wight Council is currently consulting on the application, 26/00965/FUL, with comments accepted until Friday 28 August.

A decision is expected to be made on 18 September.