CONCERNS have been raised over plans to turn a luxury hotel into a new school in the Thornbury area. Education provider Witherslack Group submitted plans to open a SEN school at boutique hotel and conference centre Old Church Farm in Rudgeway. If approved, the school would be open to 50 pupils aged five to 12 with a range of complex learning needs.
The change of use application was submitted to South Gloucestershire Council in August. So far, there have been seven objection comments from members of the public. Multiple concerns have been raised about the suitability and safety of the historic site as well as proposed access by neighbours and fears over water pressure.
The plan has been described as ‘insensitive’, ‘unsuitable’ and could damage the nearby ancient Old St Helen’s churchyard and the site’s 18th century Dutch gardens. The proposed site is located near St Helen's Church in Rudgeway (Image: Witherslack Group) Proposals include installing fencing and gates, putting in a MUGA, plus extending the existing car park to 45 spaces including eight EV charging points. In addition, a bungalow on the site would be demolished and replaced with a single-storey teaching block.
It comes as the same applicant opened a new SEN school known as Castlefell School also in Rudgeway off the A38 earlier this year in April. “In our opinion the increased traffic will critically compromise the safety of all road users,” one resident said. “It would undoubtedly result in incre.
