SEND school plan for historic building

Part of a historic former school could be brought back into use to teach children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Plans have been put forward to use part of the ground floor of the Shine building on Harehills Road in Leeds SEND school.

The Grade II listed building dates back to the 19th Century and was previously Harehills Middle School.

Leeds City Council has approved a planning application for change of use, stating the "proposal represents a sustainable form of development".

The new school would be operated by East Leeds Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) and teach children between 14 and 19 years old.

The planning report said highways officers had initially raised concerns over road safety during pick up and drop-off times, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, the council said traffic movements would happen over short periods of the day and a car park management plan had been drawn up.

A design report by the applicant said: "East SILC operates with local authority managed transport arrangements, including dedicated SEN transport services.

"This significantly limits reliance on private car travel and reduces impacts on local parking and highways."

The project would enable the SILC to expand its provision for vulnerable young people in the city, the applicant said.

The report added the "proposal represents a sustainable form of development, re-using existing units within the Shine building for an appropriate community purpose".

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