New sports facilities planned for Sunderland special school

Education provider Witherslack Group has applied to the authority to erect a ‘multi-use sports gaming area’ at Ashbrooke School.

The independent school specialises in providing education for pupils with complex needs between the ages of 5-19.

Although the school is located on Ashbrooke Road in Sunderland, pupils attend from across the North East region.

Plans lodged this week aim to replace an existing all weather tennis court at the school with a new sporting area.

If approved, the new compound would boast goals and basketball nets and 1.29m high fencing along the sides, increasing to a maximum height of 3.825m behind the goals.

However, no floodlights are proposed as part of the plans.

A Design, Access and Heritage statement submitted to planners states the works will have a minimal impact on the Ashbrooke Conservation Area and nearby listed buildings.

This includes former art school buildings and historic home of the Backhouse family, Ashburne House.

According to the report: “The proposed change of use and the proposed external works are very minor in nature and it is considered would cause no harm and it would not harm the ability to experience or appreciate the significance of the referenced listed buildings and structures or impact negatively on the conservation area.

“The site is also surrounded by newer / non-listed buildings within the school site, meaning the proposed multi-use game area will not be viewed in the same context as nearby listed buildings. As such it is considered that the impact of the development will be neutral.”

It goes on to say: “If, however the council consider the harm to be less than substantial, it is considered that the public benefits of having additional and upgraded sports facilities, outweighs any perceived harm.”

The Witherslack Group currently operates 16 schools, 17 children’s homes, three vocational training centres and four integrated children’s homes and learning centre facilities.

Ashbrooke School, which opened in 2017, caters for many children on the autistic spectrum and was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in its most recent inspection.

A decision on the sports facility is expected from Sunderland City Council by August 12.

For more information on the proposals, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning reference: 20/00983/FUL

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