Support for autism classrooms

A city school’s plan to build new classrooms for children with autism looks set to be backed by the council next week.

The proposal would see new a new detached, single-storey teaching facility built at Christopher Whitehead Language College in Bromwich Road specifically designed for pupils with autism.

Designs include new classrooms, breakout rooms, offices, a meeting room, toilets and a kitchenette.

Worcester City Council’s planning officers have recommended the plan is approved when councillors meet in the Guildhall next Thursday (February 24).

A report, which will be discussed by councillors, said the new school building was well-designed.

“On balance, the submitted scheme has indicated more than sufficient detail to warrant approval,” the report from council planning officers said.

“In fact, it is considered that the proposal is a well designed site utilising the full potential of the site within a sensitive location.

The proposals sit within the northern area of the existing grounds and are well screened from neighbouring and nearby properties.

“The proposals would not result in overlooking or a loss of privacy and with activity orientated away from residential properties, the potential for noise and disturbance would be reduced.”

A statement from Christopher Whitehead included with the application said the new building had been designed to make it open and welcoming.

“The style and design of the new classroom building has been carefully considered to create a modern and contemporary building which also has a calming and minimal appearance,” the statement said.

“This is achieved with the simple form of the building along with a simple palette of materials and colours that allows the building to sit quietly within itss setting and have a welcoming and calming feel.

“A small staff office doubles as a welcoming reception to the entrance of the building, which leads directly onto a modest circulation area.

“This circulation space has been designed to have a generous width with rooflights above to create an open and welcoming feel to anyone arriving at the building.”

Worcester City Council’s planning committee meets from 1.30pm in the Guildhall on February 24.