A new special needs school will be built in Blyth, after plans were given the green light by county planning chiefs.
The new Gilbert Ward Academy will provide 80 places for pupils aged 11 to 16 with autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. It will be built on the site of the demolished Princess Louise First School, in Princess Louise Road, which has lain vacant since 2016 and was described as an “eyesore” this week.
Designs for the new facility, which also includes a multi-use games area (MUGA) that will be open to the community, were approved by Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee on Tuesday. Isabella ward councillor Anna Watson said: “There is a clear need in Northumberland for this type of school. I think it is a real benefit to the area in Blyth.
