Former Cowes Community Centre To Become SEN Education Facility

An empty community centre in Cowes is set to become an education facility for children with special educational needs.

The Isle of Wight Council's planning committee unanimously approved a change of use for St Andrews Community Centre on St Andrews Street on Tuesday (October 13).

The plans, submitted by New Forest Care, will allow the building to provide schooling for a small number of pupils, with up to ten children on site at any one time.

Conservative councillor Matthew Price said he remembered attending children's parties at the hall many years ago and welcomed its return to use, particularly for special educational needs provision.

His motion to approve the application, in line with planning officers' recommendations, was passed unanimously.

Planning officers said the facility would make an important contribution to the Island's range of educational provision and support the area's social wellbeing.

The permission includes three conditions relating to flood risk management, safety and compliance.

Cowes Town Council and Island Roads raised no objections to the application.