Plans to turn listed building into SEND sixth form

A Grade II listed building which is in a "poor state of repair" could be converted into a special educational needs (SEND) sixth form if plans are approved.

Designs have been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council to convert the building, in Melbourne Road, Ibstock, into a school for 48 pupils and about 20 staff members.

Applicants, The Open Thinking Partnership (OTP), said the site would be a dedicated sixth form for its students currently at Forest Way School in Coalville.

They said the setting would relieve pressure on the school and provide "enhanced" education for older students.

According to documents submitted to the council, the building used to house a 13-bed care home, which closed due to its "limited facilities".

OTP said the project would bring the building back to a "viable and sustainable" use, securing its long-term future.

A mix of small classrooms for up to six pupils and larger classrooms for group work will be created alongside existing layouts to ensure disruption to the building is minimal, they said.

Concluding their application, OTP said: "This is an extremely resourceful use of this building and guarantees the future of the Grade II listed property, which is currently in a poor state of repair."

The plans will be reviewed by the council before they are approved or rejected.

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