Stanley Hill School

The project comprised the change of use of a previously developed equestrian site to an ancillary Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, utilising existing buildings and land to create a specialist outdoor learning environment. The scheme retained the established built form, with only internal alterations to facilitate educational use, alongside the introduction of associated parking, access improvements and landscape-led outdoor teaching spaces. The proposal was designed to support a multidisciplinary curriculum, with a strong emphasis on nature-based learning, sensory development and vocational skills, accommodating a modest number of pupils and staff on a phased basis.

A key planning consideration was the site’s location within the Green Belt and the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area buffer zones. The development was assessed as appropriate in Green Belt terms, as it involved the re-use of permanent and substantial buildings and a material change of use without additional built form, thereby preserving openness. Landscape enhancements, including planting and outdoor learning features, were considered sympathetic to the rural character and reinforced the ecological value of the site. Mitigation measures and conditions addressed ecological sensitivities, including protected species and SPA impacts, ensuring compliance with national and local policy.

The principal challenges related to accessibility and transport, given the site’s rural and relatively unsustainable location. However, the specialist nature of the SEN provision, including reliance on minibus transport and the identified need for a countryside setting, were material considerations that weighed significantly in favour of the development. Impacts on neighbouring amenity, highways and landscape character were found to be acceptable, with limited intensification of activity compared to the lawful equestrian use. Overall, the scheme was supported as a policy-compliant and socially beneficial form of development, delivering an important community facility while maintaining the character and openness of the countryside.