New school plan for community centre approved

Plans to convert a former community centre in Coalville into a new special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school have been approved.

An application to create the school on the site of the Community Resource Centre in Comet Way, which has stood empty since December 2024, was submitted last year.

The new school will take up to 98 pupils of primary and secondary school age, and employ 56 full-time teaching staff and 25 non-teaching staff in a mix of full and part-time roles, according to planning documents.

North West Leicestershire District Council approved the plans, which include the demolition of the forecourt steel canopy and an existing shed and greenhouse on the site, on Monday.

Applicant Aurora Group plans to create an outdoor multi-use games area for the school and 62 parking spaces.

It states in the application that windows of the existing building would be replaced and entrances adjusted to make the site more accessible.

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