Cheffins’ planning team has secured planning permission and Listed Building Consent for the change of use of Wetheringsett Manor to provide a school for children with special educational needs. Wetheringsett Manor is Grade II Listed which meant the change of use of the building and associated physical alterations required Listed Building Consent. After negotiation with the Council’s Conservation Officer the finalised scheme was approved in October and it is anticipated that the school will be welcoming its first pupils in 2020. Care was taken where possible to remove the modern alterations associated with the building’s former use as a hotel. The modern industrial buildings at the site will be retained and converted to classrooms and workshops. Some lean-to and temporary structures will also be removed. The permission provides much-needed educational facilities and represents the appropriate re-use of a historic building and redundant industrial buildings. These components – particularly the shortage of schools for children with special educational needs – were recognised by the Council when granting delegated approval for the application.