Plans to open a new school in Ruddington in a Grade II listed building have been approved. Easthorpe House is located on Loughborough Road in the village and will be converted into 'Easthorpe School' under proposals submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council.
Easthorpe House is a grand early 19th century building with historic gardens and parkland surrounding it, which was previously occupied by NHS Rushcliffe Clinical Commissioning Group which relocated in June two years ago. Applicants Polaris Children's Services have stated there will be no structural changes to the building if plans were approved - a workforce of approximately 40 people will operate on the site. There is currently 55 parking spaces available there.
Former offices will be turned into classrooms under the plans and the school intends to offer up to 80 student places for children with special educational needs and disabilities. With a staff to pupil ratio of one to four, class sizes are typically just six to eight students, each with one teacher and a teaching assistant. No demolition is proposed on the site.
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The application states: "As well as creating local jobs the school will continue to have wider economic benefits, including investment in the local economy and the growing of our supply chains with local businesses who are integrated with the school’s operation. Whether this be food or catering suppliers, cleaning services, maintenance or other health and social care practitioners this will create further opportunities within the immediate area."
It adds: "In summary we believe the Easthorpe School will be a successful addition to the local area."
Polaris had already agreed terms on a lease for Easthorpe House, subject to the change of use planning approval for a school to operate on the site. The application was approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council's planning committee last month.
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