Ex-farmhouse set to become SEND school

Plans to turn a farmhouse in Leicestershire into a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school have been approved.

Officers from Melton Borough Council backed a bid from Include Education Ltd to develop a site off Welby Lane, about two miles from Melton Mowbray.

The proposals look to turn the building at Welby Grange Business Park - which is currently used as an office - into a facility serving 28 pupils and 14 staff.

Officers said the application represented the "sustainable re-use" of a Grade II listed heritage asset and provided an "important community service".

Under the conditions, the school can open from 10:00 to 14:00, with staff accessing the seven classrooms from 09:00 to 15:00.

Documents state 14 car parking spots and two drop-off points are planned, with students to travel to the site using either private taxis or shared minibuses.

The developer told the council that the school's curriculum would be tailored to individual education, health and care plans, combining "academic progression" with "emotional literacy", social development and "practical life skills".

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