Cowes Community Centre Could Become Special Educational Needs School

Plans to turn a Cowes community centre into a school for children with special educational needs are due to be considered by Isle of Wight councillors.

New Forest Care has applied to change the use of St Andrews Community Centre on St Andrews Street, with up to 10 pupils expected to attend at any one time.

The application will be discussed by the Isle of Wight Council's planning committee next Tuesday (13 October).

A council report recommends approving the plans, subject to conditions relating to flood risk and planning requirements.

It says the proposal would bring a vacant building back into use, provide much-needed specialist education in a sustainable location and avoid unacceptable impacts on neighbouring properties or highway safety.

The applicant says the scheme would help meet educational needs in the town and create jobs.

Island Roads and Cowes Town Council have raised no objections.

The planning committee meeting is due to begin at County Hall at 4pm.