The application for the retained mental health facility (MHF) and special needs school (SEN) went before the Council’s Planning Committee on 10 May 2023. MESS raised concern about the MHF being confined to only 13% of the site instead of 21% and the SEN school now occupying 31% instead of 23% (click here). The Committee nevertheless approved the application subject to s106 agreement which was finally signed in October 2023. Since then there has been a further bat survey, an archaeological study and a more detailed survey of trees. The removal of unprotected trees is now happening and demolition works are likely to start in May. The detailed plans for the housing have not yet reached the Planning Committee and MESS is concerned about these too (click here) as the number of housing units has significantly increased.
