A GROWING group of education and care provider has been given the go ahead to convert a Stalybridge town centre building into an educational facility for up to 25 children with special educational needs (SEND).
First Steps Together Care Services has been told to introduce staggered drop-off and pick-up times and encourage staff and parents/guardians to use parking already available in the area.
It has also been urged to get staff and customers on public transport to reach the Melbourne Street site.
The Denton-based company says the facility will not have more than five teenagers, aged 14-16, present at any one time.
And Tameside Council has backed the scheme at what was Barclays Bank until 2011 and had been used as offices.
In a report, planning officers state: “The current condition of the building fails to make a positive contribution to Stalybridge town centre as the building is currently vacant.
“Whilst the loss of an existing office use within the town centre is regrettable, the proposed change of use will be delivering much needed new educational support which will help to promote and support the vitality and viability of Stalybridge through additional footfall and spend from staff and families served by the development.
“The proposals would represent a highly sustainable and efficient use of the site that would complement the current educational offer found within Stalybridge.”
Paperwork supporting the application stated: “The children to be cared for and educated on site will be the subject of the following specific needs – young people subject of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and young People with SEND.
“The facility will be operated by in the order of 10 staff on site at any one time, with lessons scheduled throughout the day as per a standard school.
“Whilst the loss of the former use will result in change at the application site, it is clear the loss will not result in harm or a material reduction in office provision for the local community.
“We understand from an initial review of office space to let within Stalybridge, that there are a number of commercial and office premises currently available, and a number of which are within walking distance of the town centre, indicating a lack of demand and a lack of justification to protect the existing use of the site.
“The loss of this single venture will not therefore result in significant harm to the overall level of provision locally, the character of the local area, nor on social interaction.
“In fact, the benefits to be achieved through the delivery of an educational facility for young persons with additional needs is clearly significant.
“It is also pertinent to note that the facility itself will still be creating job opportunities for both teaching staff and administrative staff and will continue therefore to create and deliver local job opportunities.”
The applicant also says it is seeking to purchase annual parking passes for staff use from Tameside Council or will reimburse costs incurred, while PE activities will take place at Active Copley.