Client

Eco Modular Buildings (On behalf of the DFE)

Local Authority

Hastings Borough Council

Project Description

Redevelopment of school

Acting on behalf of Eco Modular Buildings, DPP were appointed to secure planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Ark Helenswood Upper School site in Hastings. The application sought the part-demolition of existing school buildings and the proposed development of a new SEN school with associated access, parking and landscaping.

The proposals will include a single two-storey building which will house teaching spaces, dining areas and a main hall for up to 72 pupils. The proposed school will be occupied by the Flagship School, a special education needs (SEN) school for neuro-diverse pupils from ages 7 to 16 (Year 3 to year 11) who have high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or a range of associated social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

DPP provided strategic planning advice to Eco Modular Buildings, including attendance at a pre-application meeting with the Local Planning Authority. The early stages of this project were progressed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and DPP were able to develop our specialist web-based public consultation process to good effect.

DPP also prepared a Planning Statement to address the specific site constraints which included a case to justify the loss of existing playing fields against Sport England’s playing fields policy.

DPP managed the application process and successfully dealt with objections on design in order to deliver a positive decision under delegated powers and avoiding the need for the scheme to be considered at Planning Committee.