PLANS for a new outdoor learning resource centre to increase provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities at a Poole school have been approved.

Members of BCP Council’s planning committee gave unanimous backing for the application for Broadstone Middle School.

As reported, Castleman Academy Trust, which runs the school in Dunyeats Road, wanted to carry out the development on the site, which is owned by the council.

Planning committee chair Cllr David Kelsey said: “I think this is exactly what the local school children need – an improvement to their sites for education.

“I think it is really, really important at this moment in time. I personally have no problems with this (application).”

Cllr Tony O’Neill said he saw no reason at all to refuse the application.

Cllr Marion Le Poidevin said she was concerned about the scheme not being to the highest standards in terms of environmental performance, but this was not enough reason on its own to refuse the application.

She said: “It is clearly needed. It sits in the site beautifully.”

The approval of the application included a condition for the building to have a ‘good’ BREEAM rating. Council policy was for ‘very good’ rating.

With the applicants suggesting only a ‘pass’ rating was achievable, the condition was seen as middle ground between policy and the applicant’s position.

As reported, the resource centre will be a single-storey building in an under-utilised part of the school grounds.

A planning statement submitted by Coomber Associates Limited on behalf of the academy trust said: “There is growing need for special educational needs and disability (SEND) capacity in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and subsequent demand for places for young people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).

“It is important that all children and young people, whatever their background, are able to attend a good school that helps them thrive and gives them the building blocks they need to go on to fulfil their potential.

“It is especially important that the right facilities and support are in place at the school they attend, so they can learn in a modern, adaptable environment.

“This proposal will help the local authority provide targeted support to level up outcomes for some of the most vulnerable pupils.”